Peak fall foliage may happen later this year. Here's when to catch it

Fall foliage in parts of the eastern United States may arrive later than usual, especially if warm temperatures persist through September and October, according to the outlook in the article. Leaf color changes as days shorten and trees reduce chlorophyll, but timing depends on temperature, moisture, tree health, species, and elevation. Warm nights can delay autumn color in the East, while precipitation matters more in the West, the USA National Phenology Network says. El Niño may also keep conditions warm, with forecasts expecting lingering summerlike heat in parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Predicted peak color for 2026 ranges from late September in northern New England to early November in the Deep South.