Colorful foliage is as much of a fall staple as Halloween, apple cider and Thanksgiving. But as the climate warms , will it have an effect on fall leaves? According to climate science nonprofit Climate Central , the climate can impact everything from the color of autumn leaves to when they begin to fall from the trees. How climate change can affect fall foliage According to Climate Central, trees “use cues from the environment” to start preparing for winter. These include shorter days, cooler temperatures and an increase in rainfall. As a result, early arrival of summer heat and drought are linked to leaves beginning to fall earlier in the year. Warm fall nights and high temperatures in October, meanwhile, have been linked to the leaves of fall starting later in the year. Weather extremes, also believed to be impacted by climate change, can contribute as well. Wildfires, drought and extreme heat can cause leaves to dry up and fall earlier, while heavy storms can knock the leaves off of a tree. The color of fall foliage is also impacted by the climate. During the fall, sunny days and cool nights lead to more vibrant, colorful leaves, while summer heat, drought and early frost can all dull the color of foliage. Climate Central analyzed data from 243 U.S. locations and found that 87% had seen their fall nights warm since 1970, with an average increase of 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Changes in the temperature of autumn nights can affect the colors of fall leaves. Courtesy of Climate Central Fall climate in western WA So how does this impact Washington? With some effects of climate change causing earlier leaf fall and some delaying it, experts are torn on whether or not autumn foliage is arriving earlier. Washington has seen a rise […]
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