Peak Fall Foliage Will Likely Arrive Late This Year
Attention, passengers: Fall foliage season has been delayed. Expect to arrive at the Peak Fall Color station behind schedule.
The warmer-than-average temperatures, particularly overnight, are primarily accounting for the delay in the leaves changing, as The Weathe Channel recently reported. "Fall color will likely reach its peak later than usual this year across a large portion of the United States, and the weather is to blame," writes Brian Donegan. "By mid-September, some parts of the Rockies and northern tier often begin to see the early stages of fall color, eventually reaching a late-September peak in the Rockies' highest elevations, northern Minnesota and northern New England. Then, an early- or mid-October peak is typically found in the rest of the Rockies, Midwest, Appalachians and most of the Northeast."
How much later than normal will peak fall foliage come? Meteorologist Eric Fisher of CBS Boston News says you'll likely see peak color a week later than average.
Time to start plotting some foliage trips? I'd aim about a week or so past the averages again this year with a warm outlook mid to late September. Very healthy forests right now should make for a good show, barring tropical trouble. #wbz pic.twitter.com/NJEZuxCSZp
— Eric Fisher (@ericfisher) September 9, 2019
Beyond temperature, other factors impact fall foliage including daylight and soil conditions. Rain and drought can also have an influence on when the leaves turn. If you're planning fall travel around catching peak color, consult with SmokyMountains.com's interactive fall foliage prediction map to better time your trip.
WATCH: State-by-State Guide to the Best Fall Color
So tell us, dearest autumnal adorers: Where's your favorite place to journey to and see fall foliage? What time of day is the best to visit?
