Fall Color Forecast Will Be Shaped by September Weather

September is the most crucial month for fall color development according to Howard Neufeld, professor of plant eco-physiology at Appalachian State University in Boone.

In a recent Asheville Citizen Times article about fall color, Neufeld noted that sunny days and cool nights are the perfect recipe for the pop of fall color we know and love.

This summer has been very rainy, especially in Western North Carolina. Karen Chavez’s article points out that August was one of Asheville’s rainiest months ever! But contrary to mountain lore, this summer’s weather shouldn’t impact the fall color outlook.

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What might dull the fall colors is if the warm, rainy days continue through September. When trees have lots of light and rain, they put their energy towards growth. That has spelled a good growing season this summer with lots of leaves, but now we’ll keep our fingers crossed for drier air and cooler nights.

And remember, fall works its way down the mountains so you’ll see the first glimpses of reds and orange higher up. We are still 6-8 weeks away from peak fall color, so make your plans for early- to mid-October.