CALIFORNIA, USA — Californians know even if it is officially fall, it can feel like summer into September and October. Some years, the temperatures may be cooler, or we may see more rainfall earlier, but on average mid 70s don’t typically arrive until the final week of the month.
As temperatures finally cool off from 100s in early October to mid to low 70s at the end of this month, the leaf breakdown is beginning.
According to California Fall Colors, the reported fall leaves in the Sierra are the only main regions seeing near peak and at peak foliage.
The lower foothills and valleys are still mostly green, but beginning to see subtle changes. The valley should begin seeing patchy fall colors by the end of October with near peak conditions in the next month.
Cooler temperatures and more clouds help cause the leaves to produce less chlorophyll. This then begins the process of the leaves breaking down and losing its green color. Depending on the chemicals being released, yellow leaves are caused by xanthophyll. Orange leaves give off carotene, and red leaves have anthocyanin.
Bright colors are more likely when late summer has been dry and autumn has sunny days and cool nights. This is exactly what our summer and now fall are experiencing.
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