Overview

• Yellows and oranges are already showing in Colorado’s high country, including Fremont Pass near Leadville, Tolland in Gilpin County and areas around Frisco.
• Drought stress following patchy winter snowpack and a weak mountain monsoon depleted soil moisture, prompting trees to begin changing sooner than usual.
• NOAA’s September outlook favors above-average temperatures statewide and raises the odds of below-average precipitation, with the highest dry signal over western Colorado.
• 9News meteorologist Chris Bianchi expects Colorado’s peak to arrive roughly 7–10 days early in 2025 with less vibrant color in some areas.
• The Farmer’s Almanac points to changes starting now through mid-September in northern and western states and mid-October peaks in New England and the Pacific Northwest, though planners are urged to treat prediction maps as evolving guides.