FORT MYERS, Fla. — Icy cold temperatures will blanket Southwest Florida for one more night before a warm-up through the workweek.
Temperatures met 44-year record lows Sunday morning in Fort Myers, Naples, and Punta Gorda. The National Weather Service will go over more data to determine whether records were actually broken.
Sunday's highs will reach the upper 50s to lower 60s but temperatures will again dip into the 30s across the region into Monday morning. The breeze will subside compared to Saturday afternoon but this will potentially allow some frost to form. A freeze watch is in effect for DeSoto County in advance of this round of cold.
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Monday afternoon will be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 60s. A gradual warm-up with highs in the low 80s is expected as the week continues.
Make sure you are prepared and take care of pets and loved ones:
- Stay indoors as much as possible. Check on family members, friends, and neighbors who are more vulnerable to cold weather hazards including older adults, young children, and those who are chronically ill.
- When outdoors, wear proper clothing. Dress in multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing. Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves.
- Heat your home safely. Be extremely careful when using a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. Never leave flames and fires unattended and keep them away from children and pets. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Never use generators, grills, or other charcoal burning devices inside your home or garage. Generators should be used 20 feet away from an opening such as windows or doors, with the exhaust pointed away from the building. CO is odorless, colorless, and deadly. Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of CO, and make sure to change the batteries as needed.
- Eating well-balanced meals can help you stay warm. Drink warm beverages, such as hot tea, to help maintain your body temperature. Consult with your doctor if you have any dietary restrictions.
- Provide pets with warm shelter. If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your pets. Be cautious of animals that are displaced due to the cold weather. Never approach or touch a wild or feral animal including cats, bats, or raccoons, especially if they appear sick or injured as they could have rabies.
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