Leaf-peeping season! - Autumn foliage: weather's impact

Decreasing sunlight is the main trigger for the change to fall colors, but the weather can also impact the color intensity!

According to SUNY's College for Environmental Science and Forestry, low temperatures will favor bright reds in maples and other trees that produce anthocyanin. However, if it gets too cold, such as an early frost, the brilliant reds could be weakened. Have you noticed any cooler colors on the TemperatureRadar lately?

Meanwhile, rainy and overcast days tend to increase the intensity of fall colors. The best time to enjoy the autumn color would be on a clear, dry, and cold, but not freezing day. Find the next one in your local forecast on the Weather & Radar app!

If daylight hours were the sole driver of fall colors, we would see leaves starting to change the same day every year. According to the United States Forest Service, changes in weather patterns in previous seasons can influence when trees begin to change their leaves.

They have observed that a late spring or severe summer drought can delay the onset of fall color by a few weeks. A warm period during the fall will also lower the intensity of autumn colors. They state the best-case scenario for observing the most striking autumn colors would be: a warm, wet spring, favorable summer weather and warm sunny fall days with cold nights.

Use the WeatherRadar to plan your next leaf-peeping hike!