AUSTIN (KXAN) — Temperatures finally feel fall-like in Central Texas with lows in the 50s, 40s and even some 30s expected this week.
Now that it feels like fall, when will it look more like fall?
Why leaves change color
Leaves change color as a result of shorter days and cooler temperatures. As those two factors come into play, the tree’s chlorophyll breaks down. Chlorophyll is what gives the leaves their green color. As that fades, you’re left with other chemicals that bring different colors in the leaves. The colors that remain depend on tree type and also weather conditions. The brighter and more vivid colors are more likely when summer is dry and autumn has sunny days and cool nights.
Current foliage locally and nationwide
According to ExploreFall.com, locally we have only patchy leaf change and some leaves have even started to fall to the ground as a result of our recent windy weather.
Statewide the leaf change has been minimal until you get into the Texas panhandle where moderate foliage to even near-peak foliage colors are being observed.
Of course, nationally much of the country is past peak as the combination of cooler weather and shorter days brought on the leaf change much more quickly.
When does foliage color peak?
So when should Central Texas expect our leaf colors to peak? According to ExploreFall.com, most of the area has to wait until late November or even early December for peak leaf colors, but parts of the Hill Country see that change closer to mid-November as a result of the earlier onset of chilly air.
Statewide the farther you go north and west, the earlier the leaf color change. Farther south there’s not as noticeable of a fall foliage season.
Nationwide you can see we’re among the last to see leaves change color as most of the country sees that change in October or even early September.
In-Depth: What makes leaves fall to the ground?
According to SUNY ESF, the leaves finally fall to the ground as a result of the tree severing it’s connection with the leaf. This happens as a layer of cells develops at the stem of the leaf. Once the connection has been severed in preparation for winter, leaves will start falling to the ground, often aided by windy weather.
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