As the month continues to cool and our time with the sun shortens, the vibrant oranges, yellows and reds on the trees will only get better.
Plenty of color is already being seen on most trees, but a few have yet to catch up to the rest. As of October 10th when this story is being written, West Michigan is nearing peak. Peak colors typically occur in the second and third weeks of October. Color will still continue in the last week of October, but most of the area by then will be past peak.
The main reasons we see the colors changing is because daylight continues to get shorter and the temperatures grow colder. This leads to the break down of the chlorophyll in the leaves, which gives the leaves their green color. With the chlorophyll breaking down, the other colors then become vibrant during the fall.
If you want to make a trip north to the Upper Peninsula to see their wide range of colors, you will want to go soon! They will be getting past peak over the next week or so. We would love to continue to see all of the colorful photos you take this month. If you would like to have them shared on-air, you can message the FOX17 Facebook page. This weekend looks amazing to enjoy everything fall has to offer without having to worry about rain or cold!
