ATLANTA — As Georgia heads into the last weekend of summer, many people are looking forward to colorful leaves in the North Georgia mountains. But this year’s foliage season may not be as vibrant as usual.
According to Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan, two major weather factors could affect the fall color display: the extreme drought conditions North Georgia experienced earlier this year and a summer that continues to bring unusually hot temperatures.
“This is the last weekend in summer. We’re already there. It still feels like midsummer,” Monahan said.
Monahan said he will be watching closely to see how trees respond over the next several weeks as leaves begin their annual color change.
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“Extreme drought this spring, that’s going to have an impact on our fall color season,” Monahan said. “The very hot summer that just doesn’t want to let go.”
North Georgia has already recorded 75 days with temperatures in the 90s, with additional hot days expected.
Monahan said those prolonged stretches of heat, combined with drought stress, can affect how trees transition into autumn.
“You may have already noticed leaves turning brown, drying out or falling earlier than normal,” Monahan said.
Experts say stressed trees often produce less vibrant fall colors and can lose their leaves before peak foliage season arrives.
The weather during the next few weeks will play a key role in determining how colorful this year’s display becomes. Cooler temperatures and additional rainfall could help improve conditions before the typical peak color season in October and November.
For now, Monahan says the combination of spring drought and a relentless summer heat wave has created concerns about the quality of North Georgia’s fall foliage.
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