Southwest Florida is known for its warm, tropical climate and sunny weather. However, even paradise can have its chilly moments.
We look back at the record books to reveal how low the temperatures can get. Here's a look at the coldest temperatures ever recorded in three coastal counties:
Lee County
In Lee County, the city of Fort Myers experienced its coldest temperature on record when it reached a frigid 26°F in 1962.
Collier County
In Collier County, the city of Naples also faced a historic cold snap in 1982, tying Fort Myers with a record low of 26°F.
Charlotte County
Though Lee and Collier counties had their cold moments, in Charlotte County, Punta Gorda holds the record for the lowest temperature among these counties, plunging to a frigid 23°F in 1982.
What causes these cold snaps?
Cold temperatures like these are typically associated with Arctic air masses plunging south due to large dips in the jet stream. The jet stream is a fast-moving river of air in the upper levels of the atmosphere created by sharp temperature divides.
While such extremes are infrequent, they serve as a reminder of the diverse weather Southwest Florida can experience.
Despite these record-breaking lows, the region’s climate quickly rebounds to its usual warmth, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the sunshine year-round.
Related:
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- Is your heater giving off a burning smell? Here’s what it means.
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