Overview

• Leaf reports show the far western Upper Peninsula past peak with leaf drop, while the eastern U.P. is at or near peak heading into the weekend.
• Interior northern Lower Michigan has roughly 50% color and is on track to reach peak within about a week, as many shoreline zones remain mostly green and are projected to peak around Oct. 18–19.
• The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids characterizes the Lower Peninsula’s conditions as the most significant drought since 2012, contributing to muted displays.
• Recent rain of roughly 0.5 to 1 inch in parts of West Michigan offered only limited relief, with a lingering 4 to 5 inch precipitation deficit since June.
• Forecasts call for rain and strong winds Friday with Lake Superior gale warnings, followed by a brief cool spell and then a warmer, drier pattern next week that forecasters say could further limit color intensity and duration.