The scorching summer of 2024 is coming to an end soon, which means it won’t be long before the autumn leaves make an appearance in fall.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, leaves can change color from mid-September to early November. “Typically, the second and third weeks of October are peak times, but it can change depending on where you live and local weather conditions,” the Almanac says.
In our region, autumn colour is expected to peak in mid-October.
Warm, sunny days are good for vibrant fall colors, but only if they’re paired with cool nights, according to the Weather Channel. Precipitation can also affect the color show — extreme drought and excessive rainfall are both detrimental to foliage.
A warm spell in the fall will also reduce the intensity of fall colors, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The latest forecast from the Climate Prediction Center shows that a warmer-than-average fall is likely for most of the U.S.
Where and when are the leaves expected to change color
Below is a county-by-county look at how the sheet in the US changed in 2023:
New England has some of the most colorful fall foliage. About ten million leaf peepers visit the region each year to enjoy the beauty of fall. Typically, northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and northwestern Maine experience their peak in early October.
According to ExploreFall.com, parts of New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania will have to wait until late October.
Drought can affect fall colors
A severe summer drought could delay the onset of fall foliage by several weeks, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Drought was particularly severe this summer in the Mid-Atlantic and central Appalachians, which could delay the fall foliage season there, AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.
How Leaves Change Color in Fall
As daylight hours decrease in the fall, chlorophyll production in leaves slows and eventually stops. Chlorophyll gives leaves their green color, so when those pigments aren’t visible, carotenoids, which produce yellow-orange and brown colors, shine through, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Bright light and an abundance of plant sugars are abundant during the season and contribute to the production of anthocyanins, which give plants their red color.
SOURCE The National Forest Service, SmokyMountains.com, ExploreFall.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fall Color Map: When and Where to Expect Fall Colors
