When fall colors are expected to peak in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The initial Ohio Department of Natural Resources fall color update indicates that the severe to exceptional drought has impacted the fall colors.

The ongoing drought in Ohio has caused some trees, notably maples, to show some early color throughout the state.

The expectation is that rain from Helene's broad circulation on Friday and continuing on and off through the weekend, coupled with cooler temperatures, will help will make conditions more favorable for trees to reveal moderate color in the coming weeks.

Every year, ODNR puts out weekly updates on the changing leaves and where to look for the best fall colors. The map released by ODNR for the first week of autumn indicates colors are beginning to change statewide (yellow), with some areas still showing less color (green), where rainfall has been more widespread in parts of northeast and northwest Ohio, and along the Ohio River.

ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott said that while the colors this season will be more sporadic than usual across Ohio, there will be areas of vivid color in October approaching the typical mid- to late October peak.

In central Ohio, fall colors generally peak around the third week of October, with pockets of rich color evident in the southern part of the state toward the last week of the month.

“We are expecting the more drought resistant trees to change their colors at their typical times; however, some continued rain and cooler temperatures would really help these tree species even show more of their brilliant colors,” said Parrott.

“In areas that have received more rain, peak colors are expected to occur in mid-October in the north and working south through the end of the month. For this fall color season, it will be important to check on our Ohio Fall Color Progress map to see what colors are changing where.”