Fall foliage update

Mid-Missouri is nearing the halfway mark of October as leaves are continuing to change colors.

The current foliage tracker has remained the same as the previous weeks for the peak color changing time period for Mid-Missouri. Areas along and north of I-70 are expected to see peak vibrant colors beginning October 17 lasting through October 24. Areas south of I-70 are expected to see peak fall colors into the second half October with areas to the extreme south in the first week of November.

The updated drought monitor demonstrates that much of Mid-Missouri is still under severe to extreme drought conditions which leads to a quicker shift for many trees, while some tree species will go from having green leaves to dead leaves that fall off before the leaves can change.

Much of Central Missouri has seen some much needed rainfall to start off Tuesday with many areas seeing around 0.5" total. A cold front is expected to arrive early Wednesday morning bring up to another 0.25" of rainfall widespread and 0.5" isolated additional amounts. Rainfall this late into the leaf color shift will not change the expected foliage outcome very much, but it will only work to enhance some trees current conditions aiding in leaves not dehydrating too abruptly and allowing them to change colors.

Mid-Missouri hosts many great areas to experience the annual changing of the colors with one great area located just to the southwest of Columbia Missouri near McBaine called Eagle Bluffs Overlook. This area sits well above the surrounding areas allowing for a great overview and features the Missouri River as a backdrop.

A secondary location closer to the state's capitol of Jefferson City is Prairie Garden Trust. This nature viewing area sits in New Bloomfield and expresses many different local vegetation options.