Are Indiana Trees Changing Color Earlier Than Usual This Fall?
Is the fall foliage coming earlier in the Midwest this year?
I was making the drive from Nashville, Tennessee, and through Kentucky, after returning from my recent vacation, and I couldn't help but notice that the trees were already starting to change color.
When I made it back home to Evansville, Indiana, I also found that both the dogwood tree in my front yard and the massive maple tree in my back yard are starting to shift shades. I've even already spotted a few fallen leaves around the property.
It seemed a little unusual, but I didn't put much thought into it until I spotted an article from Outside. They say, at least in the western portion of the country, that drought is playing a major role in the early color shifts folks are seeing.
Why Leaves Change Color
According to Outside, some people across the nation could see a less vibrant color display than in years past because of the drought conditions in certain parts of America.
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the natural process of color change occurs. Trees are sent signals to slow down on their production of chlorophyll and vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red emerge. Drought conditions such as high heat and less rain fall deprive leaves of the moisture needed to produce chlorophyll that keeps them green. - Outside
Could Indiana See Early Fall Colors
Now, here in Southern Indiana, there has been no shortage of rainfall this year, at least during the spring and summer months. In Evansville, the current year-to-date rainfall totals exceed the annual average of 33.45 inches by more than three inches, according to the Raindrop App.
READ MORE: Check Out These Three Hidden Gems for Indiana Fall Foliage
What to Expect This Autumn
Are we seeing an early color change here in Indiana because of the heavy spring rains or the excessively high temperatures that we experienced in June, July, and August? I'm not sure, but one thing is certain. I am ready for the cooler weather, pumpkin patches, and apple cider that are synonymous with fall in the Tristate!
10 Weather Myths We've All Fallen For