When will St. Louis see peak fall foliage?
Note: This video is from Oct. 2023.
ST. LOUIS - Temperatures are beginning to cool down---very slowly---as we are officially two weeks into the autumnal equinox. With some leaves on trees are already transforming colors, many are wondering when the scenic views of peak fall foliage will reach St. Louis.
An interactive map from the Smoky Mountains shared their prediction for every county in the country. As of Monday, all of Missouri is seeing minimal fall foliage.
According to the map, the timeline for the St. Louis area's peak foliage is expected to be:
- Minimal on Oct. 6
- Patchy on Oct. 13
- Partial on Oct. 20
- Near Peak on Oct. 27
- Peak on Nov. 3
- Past Peak on Nov. 10
However, with the lack of rain this season, it can affect how we see those fall leaves. According to FOX 2 meteorologist Chris Higgins, the colors we see heavily depends on the tree's health.
"A tree suffering from heat and drought stress isn't going to produce the same vibrant colors as one that has not," he said.
While the peak foliage is typically expected somewhere between the end of October and beginning of November, the dry environment can speed that process by a week or so. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the St. Louis area is currently experiencing a moderate to severe drought as of Oct. 6.
On the other hand, if there were more milder temperatures with more rain, it could push it back.
Another concern to add into the mix is wind, which could blow the leaves off trees permanently just as they reach its peak, if strong enough.
"The best colors come with warm, sunny days and clear, cool nights from September into October," Higgins noted. "I always like to say there is no such thing as bad fall color---just different levels of good!"
