How does weather affect the fall colors?
Weather conditions in summer and early September largely determine how brilliant each season’s colors will be. According to David Beachler, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a dry, hot summer inflicts stress on the trees; therefore when it cools, the chlorophyll that breaks down in the leaves can produce a quick color change. Alternately, a cool, wet summer can produce a color show that is brighter and lasts longer. Adequate summer rainfall means leaves will be bigger and healthier come autumn. Autumn rain is desirable, but continuous cloudy weather is not, since that would stop the production that creates the brilliant reds and golds found in oaks and maples, Michigan’s most prevalent tree species. However, keep in mind that with the temperament of the weather, “Mother Nature” still has the final hand in how the colors change.
