When will Kentucky’s fall colors peak in 2024?

KENTUCKY ( FOX 56 ) — Kentucky’s hot and warm days are numbered. With the cooler temperatures coming, fall foliage is returning. But when will we get to see the signature vivid fall colors?

Depending on where you live, the leaves will start taking on their fall shades of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns at different times.

The Smokey Mountains 2024 Fall Foliage Prediction map predicted peak fall color season will be around Oct. 28. Kentucky is split roughly in half though, with the northeast taking the first round of peak colors, followed by the southwest taking the second around Nov. 4.

“Another important part of leaf-peeping is knowing the right time to go!” according to the Almanac . “For the best experience, not only should leaves be near their peak colors, but the weather should be agreeable, too.”

The map is a prediction of foliage changes, but those changes can change a lot from county to county based on local weather , including wetness and temperature .

The U.S. Forest Service said drought conditions can delay the onset of fall color by a few weeks.

“A warm wet spring, favorable summer weather, and warm sunny fall days with cool nights should produce the most brilliant autumn colors,” reads the first services’ guide to fall foliage.

The National Integrated Drought Information System reports that 42.3% of Kentucky has experienced abnormally dry conditions and 30.9% experienced moderately dry conditions. Only 31.4% of Kentucky’s land is in drought territory.

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In July farmers shared their struggles with dry conditions with FOX 56, calling the conditions abnormally dry and hot.

Last year, Kentucky’s fall colors peaked in the eastern portion of the state between Oct. 5-21 and Oct. 12-28 for the western parts; similar predictions were made in 2023.

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