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.