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Fall foliage display dependent on weather

By Francesca Saccostaff Writerfsacco@observer-Reporter.Com 2 min read
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Southwestern Pennsylvania had bright, sunny weather recently and while no one is looking forward to the cold and snow, the unusually warm days may affect the area’s fall foliage display.

While weather conditions over the last few months have laid the foundation for a vibrant, fall display, the continued warm weather could result in muted coloring.

Dr. Jim Finley, the director of center for private forests and Ibberson chair of forest resources at Penn State University, said the temperature needs to drop to encourage the color change in leaves.

“Across parts of the state, we had a dry August and September, which caused early leaf drop in some species of trees,” Finley said. “You need cool temperatures and moisture to make the color change happen.”

Finley said leaves begin to change at varying times each year depending on weather conditions. The second weekend in October is normally the best week to view fall foliage, but Finley recommends people wait a week this year.

”This year it’s early,” he said. “So I would wait until the weekend of Oct. 17. We should have an average display this year.”

Finley explained that the shorter days signal the trees to enter into their dormant state. The bright colors – yellow, red and orange – are already present in the leaves and become visible when the chlorophyll – a pigment used for photosynthesis in green plants – breaks down. Clear, bright days, cool nights and moisture are necessary, or the leaves just turn brown.

The best colors will appear in areas near a bit of water, he said.

Alicia Miller, a meteorologist at the Pittsburgh region of the National Weather Service, said cooler temperatures aren’t expected until the middle of the month.

“The upcoming weather is really important,” she said.

Miller said the region has had a dry fall, except for the last week in September, and that temperatures will remain warm. She said everything should balance out in about two weeks, after a cold front moves through the area. Average temperatures in the area for this time of year should be highs in the mid- to high 60s and lows in the mid-40s. Rain and freezing temperatures are not expected.

“It should end up being fairly nice fall for foliage,” she said.

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