Reporting by Blaise Mesa, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The leaves across northern Wisconsin are quickly turning shades of red, orange and yellow as October arrives with some places already approaching peak color.
Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report shows a handful of northern counties getting close to peak color, including Iron County, Marinette County and Price County. In central Wisconsin, many areas are just below 50% of peak color, while most of southern Wisconsin has barely started, with many places below 25%.
A mixed bag of weather conditions in northern and central Wisconsin could both help and hurt fall colors. While those regions got some rain in August to offset a dry July, fall temperatures could be warmer than normal. But cool temperatures are critical to the fall transformation.
“Cooling temperatures through the fall season are crucial in cueing plants and trees to prepare for winter dormancy, leading to the stunning array of autumn leaf colors,” the Wisconsin State Climatology Office said in a blog post. “Warmer-than-usual fall temperatures, especially at night, can cause leaf colors to turn later or appear more muted.”
What parts of Wisconsin have hit peak fall colors?
- Northern Marinette County: 95% fall color
- Hurley: 85% fall color
- Central Marinette County: 85% fall color
- Phillips and southern Price County: 85% fall color
- Mercer: 70% fall color
- Hayward: 70% fall color
How close to peak fall color are Wisconsin cities?
Here’s how far along the leaves are in these Wisconsin communities.
- Rhinelander: 75% fall color
- Green Bay: 30% fall color
- Fox Cities: 30% fall color
- Eau Claire: 30% fall color
- Milwaukee: 20% fall color
- Madison: 20% fall color
- La Crosse: 15% fall color
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Parts of northern Wisconsin near peak fall color as October arrives
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
