Fall foliage forecast: Pops of color beginning across West Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The ninth-warmest September on record in Grand Rapids brought a streak of 12 80-degree days. Overnight lows remained on the warmer side as well, with an average low temperature of 54 degrees. The summer-like pattern has limited any fall color in West Michigan thus far.

CURRENT FALL COLOR

While pops of oranges and reds are starting to show in portions of the Upper Peninsula, the remainder of Michigan is rather green.

Changes are on the way for most of the state. A cooler, fall-like pattern will settle in next week.

FOLIAGE FORECAST

Within the next week or two, portions of northern Michigan will start to reach peak color. Pops of yellows and oranges will become more widespread across West Michigan.

Cooler weather is expected into the second week of October as well. Highs will dip into the 60s with overnight lows in the 40s. Ideal conditions for bright reds and oranges include warm, sunshine-filled days paired with cooler overnights.

HEAVY RAIN IN MUSKEGON

Persistent, heavy rain moved into West Michigan in late September, leaving behind more than 4 inches of rain on Sept. 24 alone. The total for the month was 1.63 inches above average.

While consistent rain and no drought in the summer months tends to favor vibrant fall color, some drought conditions began to show in southern Michigan towards the middle of September.

Too much rain at once can lead to early leaf drop and potential fungal disease growing in trees. Given that it has been fairly dry for the last week, there isn’t too much concern at this time.

You can submit your fall colors photos to WOOD TV8 through our ReportIt page .

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