Viewing the best fall foliage is a matter of science. Despite your best efforts to pick the best time and location to look at the colors of the fall leaves, your best bet is to watch the weather.
Which year will have the best fall colors? Below is a list of ideal factors for the best foliage:
- A wet spring and summer
- Cooler autumn temperatures
- No early frosts
- Dry and sunny fall days
Unfortunately, these conditions are the ideal. Often, summer conditions in August can dictate the degree of excellence in the color abundance and longevity. For instance,
drought conditions in the late summer can trigger the leaves to prepare for winter sooner, rather than later. The leaves will fall from the trees without ever reaching the vibrant color stages seen in an ideal year. A hard freeze or frost can also make the leaves drop earlier than normal. Several other factors can reduce your likelihood of seeing the best foliage including”
- High winds – Increased wind speed will knock leaves off trees early.
- Frontal systems – A warm or cold front brings a change in winds, often at higher speeds, which can cause leaves to drop early.
- Low pressure systems – A low pressure system can indicate stormy conditions which cause leaves to drop.
