Yahoo Lifestyle This Spot Will Have the Best Fall Foliage in 2024, According to Meteorologists
The ‘ber months are officially upon us, and you know what that means: leaf-peeping season awaits!
Fall might not officially begin until September 22, but meteorologically, the season is in full swing (and has been since September 1). As such, weather experts and foliage lovers alike are turning their attention to the trees in anticipation of a stunning transition of colors among the leaves. The only question is, when is the best time to witness the natural spectacular event—and where is the best place to take it in?
Fall Foliage Forecast 2024
According to AccuWeather, leaf vibrancy—and the location of such sights—is greatly impacted by the weather in summer and early fall. Generally speaking, the more rain throughout these times, the more vibrant the leaves will be, and the longer they’ll stay on trees. “Drought can stress the trees, causing them to shed their leaves early, as well as resulting in duller colors,” AccuWeather reports. Neither extreme is good, though. As too much rain can lend to a less-than-stellar leaf show, too. "If there's a lot of rain from late summer into the early fall, you can get mold to develop on some of the trees and also invite lots of insects," says AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Paselok.
Where to See the Most Vibrant Leaves This Year
While the Northeast is typically thought to be the best destination for leaf-peeping, AccuWeather reports that, this year, the Midwest’s foliage will be unmatched. “I think the best places to go are parts of the Midwest," Paul reports, noting that beautiful foliage will be on display from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River Valley. “The trees should have nice reds and oranges, and that could extend all the way down to parts of the Ozarks and parts of southern Missouri.”
Where Fall Foliage Might Be Disappointing
Meanwhile, the Eastern U.S. is expected to see duller leaves, as the forecast is predicting a warmer-than-usual autumn, paired with humid weather that’s not conducive for vibrant transitions. The same holds true for the Western U.S., including the Rockies, due to persistent heat and drought.
Nevertheless—and no matter where you are—the best time to view the changing colors is from the end of September through October. Happy leaf-peeping!
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