Fall Foliage Update #2: Slowly Changing But Still Weeks Away in Much of PA; New Peak Dates Forecast

This fall foliage season has gotten off to a slow start in much of the state, with little progression in the last week. That may not be a bad thing, unless you have plans to visit the mountains this weekend which will be affected by the rain regardless. Unfortunately there are early indications that next weekend may be rainy as well.

Optimal conditions for punchy foliage colors have been ongoing for the past week, so there’s no doubt when peak colors do arrive, they will not disappoint. However, they’re taking a bit longer than expected perhaps because of the wetter than average months we’ve had recently. This can result in a later onset, but longer fall foliage season.

The northern mountains and Laurel Highlands are very near peak, this peak color expected next week. But as you head into the valleys and down into Southern PA, most areas have observed very little change and are still likely three weeks from peak color, pushing peak dates to around Halloween. Fortunately, no freezes are expected in the foreseeable future.