Overview

• About 70% of Canada was abnormally dry or in drought at the end of July, according to the national drought monitor.
• Susan Dudley of McMaster University reports brown, shrivelling leaves in southern Ontario consistent with rapid stress-induced death rather than early colour change.
• Zoe Panchen of Acadia University describes similar leaf die-off in Nova Scotia and cautions that stressed trees may drop foliage before reds and purples form.
• Sunny days paired with consistently cool nights could still help some areas by trapping sugars that spur anthocyanin production.
• Researchers say drought-dried forests have contributed to intense wildfires and can reduce how much carbon dioxide trees absorb.