Every year’s fall color timing and vibrancy is a little different. From what we are seeing now compared to the same time in past years, we could be in for an earlier color treat.
I’ve been taking the same favorite fall color drives in Michigan for 27 years now. Normally around Sept. 1, I’ll see a branch here and there with almost peak fall color. I attribute that to poor circulation in that tree limb. In the first week of September, we normally see just those isolated spots of color in an occasional tree.
The scene right now truly looks quite a bit different from normal years, and especially different from the past few years. Reports from MLive readers and my drives around Michigan in the past week show slight to moderate color is starting to show across wide areas.
Fall color is starting to show around Houghton Lake on September 2, 2019. (photo from Kimberly Oertel)
The next week will have morning temperatures in the 30s and 40s across the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan. These chilly temperatures will keep the fall color show developing.
On the flip-side, a slight warm-up is expected September 10 to September 19. So there might be a slight slow-down of color progression there.
Here’s an estimate of when peak fall color will hit the various sectors of Michigan.
Early estimate of peak fall color times across Michigan (Mark Torregrossa/Milt Klingensmith | MLive)
The dates are based on historical peak fall color dates, and the fact that color seems to be running early this year. I’ve also factored in the warmer spell expected in mid-September as a possible slowing of the fall color progression. These dates represent peak fall color coming about three days earlier than the historical average.
I have found that once fall color starts, it’s hard to stop it.
This could also be a year when we see vibrant colors lasting longer on Michigan’s islands and in our beach towns.
Here’s a tip on planning your fall color trip in Michigan: You don’t want to be early. It’s better to be a few days late than a few days early. At least showing up slightly late will still have plenty of color. In using the map above, I’d plan on going in the middle to end of the given range, or even up to three days after the range.
We will have more updates for you as the fall color develops. I would also say the color that is showing looks vibrant. I’m also noticing a burgundy color being very common in maples now showing their color. It could be a very bright fall color season.
Headed to the Upper Peninsula to check out the earliest colors? Use our Michigan’s Best ultimate U.P. guide to pick some stops along the way.
