Drought and warmth delaying peak fall foliage

NAPPANEE, Ind. -- A rainless and very warm September is delaying fall foliage across Michiana.

Fall color this season may not be as vibrant and colorful as years in the past due to ongoing drought and heat across the region.

Leaves across Michiana are already turning brown and falling off of the trees. Some are changing into shades of yellow/red/orange, but the peak will likely be delayed this year.

Fall leaves do typically need warm, sunny days and cool, calm nights during September for the most vibrant colors, but the lack of rain is not doing any good.

The rainless September and impressive heat are not only delaying our fall foliage this season but also allowing for some leaves to die faster.

For the leaves that survive the lack of rain and intense temperatures, they will likely not peak in foliage until nearly Halloween.

Partial foliage is expected by mid-October, but the peak will not come until right before Halloween.

Michiana is projected to be past peak by Election Day, so most of the leaves will be off of the trees by early November.

Hopefully we can still get some good color by late October, but the recent lack of rain surely is doing some harm.