Overview

• USA Today’s 10Best ranks Michigan’s Upper Peninsula first nationwide for fall foliage, a list determined by an editors’ panel followed by a public vote.
• Early color is most visible in the western U.P., where reports estimate about 20% change and forecasters see peak arriving in roughly two to three weeks.
• Lower Michigan remains largely green with only isolated trees turning, as the recent warm stretch slowed an initially promising start.
• Storm Team 8 reports severe drought (level 3 of 5) now affecting Allegan, Ottawa and Kent counties, a stressor that can mute hues and shift peak timing later.
• Forecasters expect northern Lower Michigan to peak in three to four weeks and West Michigan in late October to early November, with experts noting trees will still color despite the heat and dryness.