Delayed Fall Colors Expected in Western North Carolina
Western North Carolina may experience a delay in its iconic fall foliage this year due to record-high temperatures in September. The first three weeks of the month were the hottest on record for cities like Hickory, Raleigh, and Washington, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council. This prolonged heat, combined with ongoing drought conditions affecting over 6 million residents since May, has impacted the seasonal transition. Retired Appalachian State University professor Howard Neufeld, known as 'The Fall Color Guy,' notes that warmer September temperatures can delay the onset of vibrant autumn colors by several days. In Boone, for example, the average September temperature of 68.5°F (20.3°C) exceeded the long-term average of 64–66°F (17.8–18.9°C), potentially pushing the peak foliage period back by over a week.
