Fall Foliage Update

Though the temperatures don’t feel fall-like the autumn colors are already showing some of their more vibrant hues. Remember that the peak of fall colors is not expected to start till next week, but until then here’s a heads up to what we can see in the trees.

Most of Mid-Missouri has seen at least scattered colors in trees, especially maples, sassafras, cherry, dogwood, sumac, and Virginia creeper. These varieties are showing the most color and least green right now and are expected to continue brighten their vibrant oranges, reds, and burgundies. The days will continue to shorten and help turn the colors in the remaining trees, including oak and hickories, that have yet to show much color. However, some regions closer to the Ozarks, including Rolla, are showing more yellow due to hickories turning earlier.

We will see cooler conditions return to Mid-Missouri by mid-week and looks to be some great fall weather to take a hike or a drive around and see the fall foliage. More and more leaves will change their color and increase their vibrancy before the peak expected for the end of October until they inevitably turn brown starting in early November.