Vivid colors expected at the peak of fall foliage

We finally are seeing a taste of fall, as temperatures have felt comfortable the next few days, but that’s not the only thing that will be changing. The countdown is on for the leaves of green to change to those autumn colors we have come to know and love. Mid-Missouri is less than a month away from the expected peak of those colors. ABC 17 Stormtrack Meteorologist Brittany Beggs detailed more about the science behind fall colors in a recent Insider Blog.

While there is a reason as to why we see certain colors, the weather must cooperate all season for those vivid colors to reveal themselves.

It all begins with having a wet spring. Experiencing a drought causes a sealing barrier to form earlier than normal in leaves, which can cause the leaves to shutdown and turn brown quicker. Here in mid-Missouri we averaged about 9 inches of rainfall through the spring season.

Beginning summer into early autumn, sunny days and cool nights are desirable to allow the trees to reveal their colors sooner rather than later.

Lastly, during autumn days, calm weather is beneficial in that it allows the leaves to go through their full cycle. If strong storms or gusts were to occur though, the leaves could fall before their full potential is revealed.

So, if you’re a leaf peeper you want to remember these facts to determine the best location for viewing. To enjoy a spectacular autumn display of colors, you want a moist growing season followed by a dry autumn. Warm and sunny days, with cool, but not freezing days are beneficial as well. Here in mid-Missouri we are on track to have a beautiful display of colors in the next few weeks, peaking towards the end of October.