The Autumnal Equinox fell on Sunday, September 22nd this year, and if you’ve been outside lately, you’ve probably noticed the hints of color starting to pop in the treetops. Before long, our local forests and valleys will be bursting with the vibrant hues of fall! While New England is famous for its leaf-peeping season, there are plenty of beautiful spots right in our backyard just waiting for you to explore.
2024 Peak Foliage Predictions
The heat is still on for most of us in the South and Midwest regions, but cooler temps are around the corner (I hope). Speaking of the seemingly abnormal warmth heading into the end of September, will this affect when the colors peak?
The answer is yes! According to an article on AccuWeather.com, the weather during the summer and early fall months plays very much into the outcome of colors. The optimal climate leading up to the tree’s annual transition is warm days followed by cool nights. Keep in mind, that the wide array of weather over the last six months with periods of drought or abundance of rain can also result in dull colors or early leaf dropping.
The article highlights how states from the Great Lakes, through the Ohio and Mississippi valleys, will more than likely steal the show from other, more popular destinations this year. The foliage will be the most vibrant in these areas of the country, which is lucky for us living in the Ohio River Valley and places that stretch just beyond our region. …