Overview

• SmokyMountains.com’s national model projects a north-to-south progression with the Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes and much of the West peaking by mid-October.
• The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center expects above-average temperatures this fall, a factor that could shift timing and reduce vibrancy.
• New York’s official I LOVE NY report says the season is underway with the most notable early changes in Adirondack spots like Wilmington, Saranac Lake and Old Forge and Catskills towns including Delhi, Windham and Liberty.
• Colorado State Forest Service entomologist Dan West forecasts peak color Sept. 20 in the northern mountains, Sept. 27–28 in central ranges and early October in the south, with a more muted display than recent years.
• AccuWeather calls for richer color in parts of the Rockies and New England and predicts northern Arizona peaks with Flagstaff and Sedona in early to mid-October and the Grand Canyon area around mid-October.