Overview

• AccuWeather projects vibrant displays across much of New England and the Midwest this autumn, though peak viewing may be brief in some areas.
• Heavy spring and summer rains and flooding are expected to dull colors in the Appalachians and Smokies, with insect and fungus damage and earlier leaf drop possible.
• Heat, drought and wildfire smoke are forecast to mute colors across the interior West, with lower-elevation trees likely to shed leaves one to two weeks early.
• Local monitoring is ramping up as Pennsylvania’s DCNR notes early color and plans weekly reports beginning Sept. 25 or Oct. 2, with the start possibly moved up.
• Planning tools highlight local timing differences, with SmokyMountains.com placing Chicago’s peak near Oct. 20 and Ohio reports showing dry to moderate drought already stressing trees.