Fall Colors May Arrive Late This Year

If you’re planning a fall color trip to New England, the Great Lakes or the Appalachians, you’ve probably already wondered whether El Niño could affect the view.

The short answer is yes, but it won’t be working alone.

El Niño can shift temperature and rainfall patterns across the country. Both matter for fall foliage, especially if the pattern brings unusually warm or dry weather.

But here’s the catch: El Niño’s clearest impacts usually show up during winter and early spring. When it comes to this fall’s colors, the weather over the next few weeks matters much more.

Warm Weather Could Keep Trees Green Longer

Cooler temperatures help signal that it’s time for trees to begin their seasonal change. If the weather stays warmer than usual, the leaves may take their sweet time getting started.

Dry weather can complicate things, too. A little dryness may not cause much trouble, but prolonged drought can stress trees.

That can lead to:

• duller colors
• browning
• leaves dropping before they ever reach their full fall potential

In other words, a later peak doesn’t always mean a longer or better show.

Bright Colors Need a Weather Sweet Spot

The best fall colors usually develop when sunny days are followed by cool nights.

Those cool nights help bring out the brilliant reds we love in maple trees. But we’re looking for sweater weather, not a hard freeze. Temperatures that drop too low can damage leaves and bring the season to an early end.

Strong winds can also spoil the party by knocking down colorful leaves just as they reach their peak.

When Will Fall Colors Begin?

Some of the first changes can appear by mid-September across northern New England and at higher elevations.

From there, peak color generally works its way into lower elevations and farther south through October. Parts of the southern Appalachians may continue seeing color into November.

Early foliage outlooks can help you start planning, but they aren’t set in stone. If you’re hoping to catch peak color, watch the forecast for your destination as your trip gets closer.

A stretch of sunny days and crisp nights is a great sign. Persistent warmth, drought, an early freeze or a strong windstorm could change the timing quickly.

El Niño may help set the stage, but your local weather will decide whether fall delivers an encore or drops the curtain early.