El Niño Promises Vibrant Fall Foliage Across U.S.
This year's El Niño weather pattern is expected to bring wetter and warmer conditions, which could result in brighter fall foliage across the United States. According to Don Hagan, a forest ecology expert at Clemson University, the absence of extreme drought conditions during the summer has set the stage for vibrant leaf colors. Mild cold fronts followed by sunny days and cool nights are ideal for color development, and these conditions are anticipated in the coming weeks. The record-quiet Atlantic hurricane season has also contributed to the favorable outlook, although Hurricane Isais may have impacted some areas. Peak foliage timing varies by region, with higher elevations in the Southern Appalachians seeing colors first, followed by lower elevations and other areas like New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia through November.
