Each year I see reports that say “here’s the best week to see fall colors” with maps of when to go leaf peeping in different areas.
I’m curious if these peak weeks have been changing at all due to climate change. Is there anyone out there who tracks or compares yearly peaks over time? I’ve poked around a few times myself with little success.
According to Google Search AI…
“According to current reports, in many areas, the peak foliage week is predicted to arrive earlier than usual this year, particularly along the East Coast, with some experts citing warmer temperatures and previous weather conditions as contributing factors; however, the exact timing can vary depending on location and specific weather patterns.”
Whether this is due to global warming in general, or normal seasonal variation, it doesn’t specify.
It jumps around every year based on temps, rainfall, El Nino (“ENSO”), etc. And of course it varies by location too. Mostly altitude and latitude, but microclimates get in there too.
My own WAG is that AGW’s impact on leaf peeping so far is much more on how it’s changed rainfall than how it’s changed Fall temps.
Darn good question though.