Pennsylvania's fall foliage forecast
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Glorious fall at Awbury Arboretum in Germantown. Photo: Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Pennsylvania experts are forecasting a beautiful fall foliage season despite intense summer heat waves that could dull autumn in other parts of the country.
Why it matters: Leaf-peeping is a favorite fall activity in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, but climate change can impact when leaves turn and how bright they get.
The big picture: According to the NWS' Climate Prediction Center, the meteorological autumn, which runs Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, is likely to feature above-average temperatures across much of the country, particularly in the Northeast and Southwest.
- This comes after several summer heat waves in the Philly metro, including one in July when temperatures were 90 or above for seven straight days.
Threat level: Drier and hotter-than-average conditions this summer have put major stress on trees on the East Coast.
- Too much rain can lead to outbreaks of fungus that damage leaves and "make for a lackluster fall," Ryan Reed, a natural resource program specialist with the state's Bureau of Forestry, tells Axios.
The intrigue: Some communities in western Pennsylvania are already seeing colors change and dropped leaves, which experts say would be too early, TribLive reports.
Yes, but: Conditions appear right for Pennsylvania to have one of its best fall foliage seasons in recent years, experts tell Axios.
- Sunny days with a mix of precipitation, plus cool but not freezing nights are optimal for peak autumn foliage, says Morris Arboretum's director of horticulture, Vince Marrocco.
- While the summer was relatively dry, recents rains have erased Pennsylvania's "rain deficit," Reed says.
What to expect: Leaves start turning in the northern part of the state during the first weeks of October, about a month before southern Pennsylvania starts seeing those bright fall hues, per Reed.
Zoom out: With about 2.2 million acres of forest across and more than 120 state parks, Pennsylvania has plenty of places to take in the gorgeous views, rivaling fall destinations like Vermont and New Hampshire, Reed says.
- Plus, the statewide diversity is on display at Morris, where fall lovers can take in a panorama of "fantastic cinnamon-y yellow and orange colors," Marrocco says.
What we're watching: The state expects to release its first fall foliage report of the season on Sept. 26. It provides a snapshot of the best places across the state for residents and visitors to take in the fall foliage.
- Morris Arboretum's annual Scarecrow Walk, including a pumpkin cottage, kicks off Oct. 1.