GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan is an ideal place to enjoy fall foliage, but the recent dry weather could take a bite out of the duration and vibrancy of this year’s show.
The most impressive color shows happen when fall stays close to normal.
IDEAL FALL COLOR CONDITIONS:
- Near-average rainfall
- Warm, dry days
- Chilly, dry nights near freezing
Typically, trees begin changing up north in early September, and the color show unfolds across the state through mid-November. If fall leans warmer, wetter, drier, or colder than usual at any point within those six weeks, it will impact how the display looks.
- Drier than usual: Patchy color popping too early with faster leaf drop.
- Much drier than usual: Very fast leaf drop.
- Wetter than usual: Delayed color is shown with slow leaf drop.
- Much wetter than usual: Muted, late show. Potential for no show at all.
- Warmer than usual: Slower transition to color.
- Colder than usual: Faster transition to color.
- Early hard freeze: Many leaves transition to brown, skipping the show completely.
WEST MICHIGAN’S COLOR SHOW THIS YEAR?
There is still plenty of fall for the weather to change the display, but the warmth this September and the dry start will impact this year’s display.
Expect patchy color to pop early. Trees that transition early in the season will quickly lose their leaves, leading to more bare trees in the mix.
There is still plenty of hope for some vibrant sections and shows across the state, especially once the September heat settles down.
There is little correlation if any with month-to-month weather. If one month leans hot or dry, it doesn’t necessarily mean the following month will be impacted. October could deliver a more balanced approach, restoring our shot at widespread sensational color for 2024.