It's cold but winter isn't actually here yet. Here's when it starts and Florida's forecast
As Floridians shiver and watch for falling iguanas, many are wondering when winter actually begins.
And while winter in Florida looks much different than most of the U.S., that doesn't mean it doesn't get cold.
Freeze warnings and frost advisories were in effect Wednesday morning across the Panhandle and North Florida as far south as Gainesville. Widespread freezing temperatures are expected Thursday morning before warmer temperatures arrive for the weekend, according to the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.
When does winter start?
That depends on which "winter" you're referring to.
Meteorological winter runs from December through February. So "winter" will arrive Friday, Dec. 1.
Astronomical winter begins on the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. The winter solstice will be Dec. 21 at 10:27 p.m. EST. The season will run until the spring equinox begins at11:06 p.m. EDT on March 19.
What's the difference between astronomical and meteorological seasons?
Astronomical seasons are based on the position of Earth in relation to the sun, whereas the meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
Meteorological seasons are the three-month periods we commonly refer to when talking about spring, summer, fall and winter.
What are the four meteorological seasons?
Spring: March, April, May.
Summer: June, July, August.
Fall: September, October, November.
Winter: December, January, February.
What are the four astronomical seasons for 2023?
Spring (vernal equinox): March 20, 5:24 p.m. EDT
Summer solstice: June 21, 10:58 a.m. EDT
Fall (autumnal equinox): Sept. 23, 2:50 a.m. EDT
Winter solstice: Dec. 21, 10:27 p.m. EDT
What's the difference between summer, winter solstice?
During a solstice, the North Pole is at its maximum tilt either toward or away from the sun.
The summer solstice occurs when the earth's tilt toward the sun is at a maximum, meaning the sun is aimed directly at northern latitudes. This is the longest day of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice falls on or around June 21.
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year and marks the day when the North Pole is tilted away from the sun. The winter solstice falls on or around Dec. 22.
When does winter start in 2023? When the 2023 winter solstice falls and when winter begins
Comparing 2023 astronomical and meteorological seasons
Spring: March 20, 5:24 p.m. vs March 1.
Summer: June 21 10:58 a.m. vs June 1.
Fall: Sept. 23 2:50 a.m. vs Sept. 1.
Winter: Dec. 21 10:27 p.m. vs Dec. 1.
What is the winter 2023-2024 forecast for Florida?
The Farmers' Almanac is predicting a return to traditional cooler temperatures after a warmer-than-usual winter last year, and average temps for Florida with a few frosts.
The National Weather Service gives Florida — and most of the southern contiguous United States — an equal chance of above-normal or below-normal temperatures for November, December and January in its seasonal temperature outlook issued Sept. 21, and a good chance of above-normal precipitation.
Farmers' Almanac: The Farmers' Almanac predicts normal temps and a wet winter for Florida. How accurate is it?
However, the NWS says there is a strong chance for above-normal temperatures for North Florida through December.
Do iguanas really fall from trees in Florida?
They certainly can.
Iguanas thrive in Florida's warm climate, and they like to sleep in trees. When temperatures hit the 40s, that slows them down or immobilizes them. They stiffen up and lose their grip on branches.
NWS mentions 'frozen' iguanas: Snow, frozen iguanas for Florida winter 2024? Farmers' Almanac says expect 'a few frosts'
These cold-blooded creatures aren't dead — just temporarily stunned.
USAT Network-Florida digital producers C.A. Bridges and Jennifer Sangalang contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Winter 2023: When does winter begin, solstice, Florida forecast
