© 2024 WBGO
Discover Jazz...Anywhere, Anytime, on Any Device.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

A Late Start For NJ Fall Foliage Season

Trees starting to turn color along Delaware River in Trenton

This is usually the time to think about a weekend drive to check out the fall foliage. But so far, we’re not seeing a dazzling display of color.

New Jersey state climatologist Dave Robinson says the change in leaf color is getting a late start because of warmer than average temperatures in recent weeks.  

“That tends to delay the season. It doesn’t necessary destroy the season. So, I would think right now unless it turns cool pretty quickly, we’re probably going to see a one, maybe even longer than, a week delay in getting the peak foliage.”  

Robinson says below normal rainfall in the last six weeks could affect how brilliant a display we’ll get to see.

“We had enough moisture earlier in the summer. The roots of the trees are able to still tap that moisture and not be too deprived. Although, there may be some shallow rooted plants that are not going to provide the vibrant fall colors that they might had the ground be a little bit more moist.”

Robinson says sunny weather would help you see more vibrant color when the peak display arrives. Enjoy it when it gets here, because he says a storm could quickly rid the trees of their leaves.