Polar Vortex Brings Rare, Historic Deep Freeze To Florida; Miami Could See Lowest Temperatures In 16 Years

As millions of Americans endure the grip of Arctic air this winter thanks to the Polar Vortex, Florida is now set to experience its own rare and intense cold snap this week.

The chill will only deepen through the weekend, with cities such as Miami potentially recording their lowest temperatures in 16 years Sunday, per the FOX Forecast Center.

Freeze Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories are currently active across much of the state, stretching from Jacksonville down to Fort Myers.

Tampa hasn’t experienced a temperature reading under 35 degrees since the start of 2025. (RELATED: Northeast Facing Potential Nor’easter Threat After Historic, Deadly Winter Storm)

A fresh surge of Arctic air is expected to pour back into Florida as a possible bomb cyclone lingers off the Carolinas coast, occurring as a high-pressure system develops across the central United States.

This combination will drive temperatures up to 30 degrees under the average mark, prompting Floridians to bundle up and pull out their heaviest winter gear.

The low temperatures are also a serious risk to invasive green iguanas in the state.

🥶 FLORIDA FREEZE: Cold weather alerts are in effect from Jacksonville to Tampa as Florida braces for an arctic freeze. FOX13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto joins FOX Weather to discuss the freezing cold air that will impact the state. pic.twitter.com/DYCHV0RkpD

— FOX Weather (@foxweather) January 27, 2026

As temperatures fall into the 50s, the reptiles become lethargic and slow. When temperatures reach the 40s, they potentially enter a state of cold-stunning that may last up to a total of eight hours.

As the cold intensifies, iguanas slip into torpor — a temporary condition where they lose muscle control and appear to be lifeless, per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)— often causing them to lose their grip and tumble from trees.

Over 40 record low temperatures could potentially be set Sunday and Monday morning in key locations such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, and Tallahassee, according to the FOX Forecast Center. (RELATED: Massive Winter Storm Leaves At Least 18 People Dead, 800,000 Without Power)

Temperatures will feel colder due to wind chill values, with below-freezing readings in the low 20s forecast along the state by Sunday morning.

Floridians heading outdoors this week — particularly after dark — should dress in layers and prepare for unusually frigid conditions.

Check back consistently with the Daily Caller as we continue to guide America through this historic winter.