NORTH SOUND, OCT. 7: Leaves are changing to their vibrant fall colors already. Given the current sunny weather, now is a great time to view all the wonderful shades the trees have to offer.
The mountains are at their peak right now with brilliant colors. Taking trips across I-90’s Snoqualmie Pass, the Stevens Pass Highway, or the North Cascades Highway will offer plenty of opportunities to view nature’s fall hues. North Sound trees are in the process of turning to their full fall colors.
The change from green is driven primarily by the shrinking hours of daylight and the growing length of nights. Depending on the variety of tree, biochemical processes in leaves end the production of green chlorophyll, unmasking other chemicals already within leaves, displaying their colors.
Weather conditions play a role in the brilliance of leaf colors, with temperature and moisture the primary influences. The amount of moisture in the soil also impacts autumn colors.
Like the weather, soil moisture varies from year to year. These two highly variable factors result in no autumn season tree colors and timing being alike. This year’s warm and dry conditions will play a key role in how tree colors will be revealed.
If you enjoy autumn colors, don’t delay. The early fall dry weather and sunshine will not last forever. Upcoming fall storms with wet and windy weather will strip trees of their leaves. In fact, a change in the weather is expected starting Wednesday, Oct. 8, with more clouds, cooler temperatures, and an increasing chance of rain heading into the weekend.
