Tennessee experts will track autumn leaves' arrival
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Dazzling fall colors could be coming to parts of Tennessee earlier than expected, according to some of the state's top experts on autumn leaves.
Why it matters: The gorgeous panoramas of red and gold that arrive in the fall are major perks of being a Tennessean.
- In the Appalachian mountains of East Tennessee, they are also a big draw for tourism and the money that comes with it.
State of play: East Tennessee State University will be tracking the spread of fall colors through Appalachia starting Friday.
- Weekly reports from ETSU will help Nashvillians plan their trips into the Smokies, and will offer precise insight into fall's slow crawl across the state.
- The reports, which will include recommendations for the best places to see the best colors, will be posted online on Friday mornings.
Catch up quick: Foliage across the U.S. will peak between late September to mid-November, starting in the northern U.S. and areas with high elevations.
- Because leaves change earlier at higher elevations, the mountainous region is the first part of the state to get a view.
Zoom in: Cool nighttime temperatures are an early cue that leaves are about change. Shorter daylight hours also slow chlorophyll production, revealing the rich autumn colors lying in wait under the state's green canopy.
What they're saying: Andrew Joyner, Tennessee's state climatologist and an ETSU professor, said weather in East Tennessee is approaching a sweet spot.
- "The cooler pattern recently has likely been helpful and reduced summer-related stressors," Joyner said in a statement.
- "There's no clear sign of a prolonged hot/dry pattern starting again for the next two to three weeks, so that bodes well for a good fall color season."
Reality check: Despite an early taste of fall, Nashville is still facing several days of intense heat. Those conditions will likely affect when the colors cross into our back yards.
🍁 What's next: If you don't want to wait, ETSU campus arborist Travis Watson said he expects the state's highest peaks — including Roan Mountain, Unaka Mountain and Holston Mountain — could see fall colors arrive by the last week of September if not sooner.
- Watson said the region's "huge diversity of plants" and elevations make for a prolonged period of vibrant colors that can last for several weeks.