Delayed and muted: Recent weather trends impacting Northeast Wisconsin’s fall foliage | Fox 11

GREEN BAY (WLUK) –Fall is in the air here in Northeast Wisconsin, but the trees across the Fox Valley tell a different story.

On average, the first or second week of October is usually when Wisconsin starts to see the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. Trees over portions of Northern Wisconsin have shown some of those autumn hues within the past week, but much of Northeast Wisconsin remains mostly green.

Leaves changing color in the fall is driven mostly by recent and seasonal weather patterns. Cool temperatures overnight, but warm daytime temperatures, are ideal for leaves to turn a vibrant red. Additionally, a dry summer followed by a wet fall helps intensify the colors.

Northeast Wisconsin had quite a warm September, with most days seeing above average highs. That trend has so far been followed by a dry start to October.

UW-Green Bay plant biology professor Dr. Karen Stahlheber says this has caused a noticeable delay and dullness in the fall colors this year — as seen across the UW-Green Bay campus.

“The significant dry conditions have been delaying some of the transitions to colors, and certainly for some trees on campus that are normally a lot of color, right now the leaves are drying out,” says Stahlheber.

Stahlheber also explains how warm summer days help the production of sugar in trees, which ultimately help produce intense reds. When the warmth extends into early fall, the onset of autumn hues can be delayed — which is what Northeast Wisconsin is currently experiencing.

Despite the delay, this doesn’t mean the area won’t see any fall colors. Just don’t expect the colors to be as vibrant.

Yellows and oranges will be the predominant color this fall in Northeast Wisconsin, but if the trees have already started the process of shutting down for the season, expect to see more browns.

Source: Delayed and muted: Recent weather trends impacting Northeast Wisconsin’s fall foliage