Ready for the leaves to turn? Here’s when colorful foliage should peak in southwest IL
Fall has officially arrived in southwestern Illinois, but when can residents expect colorful foliage to peak?
Abnormally warm and dry weather can lead to delayed and less intense fall colors, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
Much of the metro-east is in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, while part of the St. Louis area is seeing severe drought. Relief is expected soon though, as the National Weather Service St. Louis office forecasts several days of showers this week.
The NWS reports the metro-east has a 33% to 40% chance of above-normal temperatures from October to December, while the popular Farmer’s Almanac predicts a colder season. In addition, daylight is quickly dwindling as we approach the end of daylight saving time Sunday, Nov. 3. By late October, the sun will set by 6 p.m. in Belleville.
When will the leaves change colors around Belleville?
When the weather cools down and days become shorter in the fall, trees stop producing chlorophyll, which is the green pigment presented in various shades on leaves in the spring and summer. This causes the leaves to change color.
Depending on who you ask, fall color could peak in the metro-east anytime between mid-October to early November.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ fall colors trip planner expects colorful fall foliage to peak in southwestern Illinois in the last week of October.
The Farmers’ Almanac predicts fall color will peak in southern Illinois between Oct. 12 and Oct. 28.
The Smoky Mountains fall foliage prediction map, which uses data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, indicates the metro-east will see minimal color by Oct. 7 and patchy color Oct. 14, with foliage peaking in early November.
The IDNR fall color report recommends several southern Illinois spots for seeing fall color, including Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park and trails and lakes in Carbondale.
“State parks are wonderful places to experience autumn colors in Illinois,” IDNR director Natalie Phelps Finnie said in a Sept. 19 press release. “Visitors can enjoy the fall foliage while hiking in a forest, taking in vistas along the river bluffs, fishing on a lake, or bicycling along one of the state’s many bike trails. The fall colors guide is an excellent resource for crafting the perfect autumn adventure in Illinois.”
The state’s fall color guide says most leaves are still green in southern Illinois as of Sept. 20, but some walnut, poplar, sycamore and maple trees have started to yellow.
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