Peak fall foliage delayed in Appalachians due to El Niño
The 2026 Fall Foliage Outlook from the Farmers’ Almanac predicts vibrant fall colors in the central Appalachians, including parts of West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, western Virginia, and North Carolina's higher elevations. Peak color is expected between October 12–28 in the central Appalachians and October 18–November 2 in the southern Appalachians. However, this year’s El Niño is influencing weather patterns, with lingering summer heat and warmer nights potentially delaying the start of the foliage season in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. While much of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast is expected to see good fall color, areas in the Upper Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and parts of the South may experience less vibrant foliage due to heat, drought, or inconsistent moisture. (Source time: 2026-09-15T14:23:00+00:00)