Monday, October 29, 2007
Fall Foliage Changes with the Temperature
It has been an unusually warm autumn so far. Look at the average highs and lows in early October for both Fayetteville and Fort Smith. In fact, throughout the first 10 days of the month, temperatures were in the 80s and 90s. There's no coincidence that late fall temperatures are contributing to a late color change.
To get the sugars to change the colors to red you need cool overnight lows in the 40s. The cooler temperatures help to slow the sugars, allowing them to stay in the leaf for a longer period of time. The sugars are ultimately responsible for the vibrant color change!
Here's the latest foliage report. The best colors look to come out over the next 2 weeks across Northwest Arkansas; however, most of the Ouachitas will have to wait until the middle of November for the great color display.
Northwest/North Central – Although there is not much color to see today, it is developing quickly in the Ozarks of northern Arkansas. Many hardwoods are 20% color now, and more changes should be visible with each passing day. Moderate color is forecasted for the weekend of October 26-28, but the peak will probably not occur until several more days go by. Future reports will recommend specific locations and highways that are near peak. Predicted peak of color: early November.
Central Arkansas/Ouachita Mountains – There is less color today than in northern Arkansas, but noticeable changes in fall foliage are taking place in this region too. Rapid progress is expected. Predicted peak of color: early November.
Southern/Eastern Arkansas – Early signs are appearing in this region, but more time is needed. Predicted peak of color: mid November.
The Ozarks of northern Arkansas will have moderate but incomplete color the weekend of October 26-28, with peak conditions unlikely until November. Central Arkansas and the Ouachita Mountains should follow quickly.
To get the sugars to change the colors to red you need cool overnight lows in the 40s. The cooler temperatures help to slow the sugars, allowing them to stay in the leaf for a longer period of time. The sugars are ultimately responsible for the vibrant color change!
Here's the latest foliage report. The best colors look to come out over the next 2 weeks across Northwest Arkansas; however, most of the Ouachitas will have to wait until the middle of November for the great color display.
Northwest/North Central – Although there is not much color to see today, it is developing quickly in the Ozarks of northern Arkansas. Many hardwoods are 20% color now, and more changes should be visible with each passing day. Moderate color is forecasted for the weekend of October 26-28, but the peak will probably not occur until several more days go by. Future reports will recommend specific locations and highways that are near peak. Predicted peak of color: early November.
Central Arkansas/Ouachita Mountains – There is less color today than in northern Arkansas, but noticeable changes in fall foliage are taking place in this region too. Rapid progress is expected. Predicted peak of color: early November.
Southern/Eastern Arkansas – Early signs are appearing in this region, but more time is needed. Predicted peak of color: mid November.
The Ozarks of northern Arkansas will have moderate but incomplete color the weekend of October 26-28, with peak conditions unlikely until November. Central Arkansas and the Ouachita Mountains should follow quickly.
Posted by Drew Michaels at 4:30 PM
2 Comments:
I agree that the first part of the month was really warm. However, I beleive there is something else going on. The maples which are usually vibrant are turning brown this year. There are usally 2 phases of fall color in NW AR. The first phase usually happens around Oct 15 and results in the maples turning vibrant and dotting the hills. The second phase usually occurs around late Oct Early Nov and results in the Oaks all turning red and yellow. This is usually called the "peak." I dont think the first phase is going to happen this year. All we can hope for now is the 2nd phase....If it happens....This is a strange autumn indeed....
I think it's important to note how important ideal weather conditions play for a beautiful color change. We have had enough moisture from the summer into the fall creating an overall healthy canopy; however, the warm temperatures could create some issues especially across the Ozarks. The River Valley and Ouachaitas may see the best change this year.
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