Seattle, WA — Overcast skies have begun to tuck Seattle under blankets of gray clouds. Cooler temperatures have settled in, and the veil of night creeps earlier and earlier as fall approaches.
While you might have already started decorating for the cozy season, which officially begins September 22, one fall essential has yet to arrive: changing leaves.
This year, an abnormally hot and dry summer could cause the leaves to change a week or two earlier than usual, and they may fall to the ground faster, according to AccuWeather lead long-range expert Paul Pastelok.
Foliage could peak in mid-to-late September in the mountains and early- to mid-October at middle and lower elevations. Despite the drier conditions, however, Washington’s trees are resilient, accustomed to dry, hot August conditions. The fall colors are expected to remain as vibrant as ever.
Why Leaves Could Change Color Earlier This Year
Deciduous trees shed their leaves in the fall to conserve energy and water until spring. The leaves soak up sunlight in spring and summer to help the tree grow. As fall approaches, the trees build a protective seal between the leaf and its branch, trapping nutrients like sugar, which produce the warm colors inside. Leaves eventually drop when they are fully sealed off.
This year, temperatures in Seattle were about one to two degrees higher than average in June, July, and August. As a result, trees are already beginning the process of sealing their leaves earlier.
“More heat means more sun, and more sunlight means better fall colors,” said McMillian, National Weather Service meteorologist.
However, this heat comes with a downside. In hotter, drier conditions, more sensitive trees will shut down faster, and nutrients and water won’t reach the leaves, causing them to change color and fall prematurely.
Washington has faced moderate to extreme drought conditions this summer, falling nearly 7 inches below average precipitation. While August saw a healthy stretch of rain, the summer’s dryness has left an impact.
One positive aspect of these warm temperatures is that cool nights, combined with warm days, allow more sugar to be trapped in the leaves, bringing out brighter pigments for an even more colorful fall season.
“Breaking down the sugars under cool nights makes those colors pop,” said Pastelok.
Best Fall Foliage Hikes in Washington
If you’re looking for the best places to immerse yourself in Washington’s vibrant fall foliage, here are five hikes recommended by the Washington Trails Association:
- Tronsen Ridge — 8 miles, Wenatchee
- Clara and Marion Lakes — 3.2 miles, Wenatchee
- Cutthroat Pass — 10 miles, between Diablo and Mazama
- Esmeralda Basin — 7 miles, Salmon la Sac/Teanaway
- Larch Lake — 24 miles, Chiwaukum Creek Trail, near Leavenworth
Locations in Eastern Oregon, Boise, Reno, and Salt Lake City might not be so lucky, with drier conditions leading to duller colors this year, according to AccuWeather.
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What are your thoughts on this early fall season and the changing foliage? Share your views in the comments below
