Return of the 40s means fall color will finally begin

 

Historically, October 15th was the peak of fall color across most of Michiana.

However, after the warmest start to October on record in South Bend, many trees look the same as they did during the summer months.

One of the main factors in our season continuing to stall is the lack of nighttime temperatures in the 40s. In the past month and a half, South Bend has seen lows dip into the 40s two times. We should have seen NINE times as many lows in the 40s by now.

I look at a lot of data for my job at @ABC57News but this stopped me in my tracks.

If you're looking for a reason as to why #Fall looks a lot different than it used to, it's right here #inwx #miwx #michianawx

I'll explain further at 5:15/5:45 p.m. tonight @TomCoomes pic.twitter.com/TizU0tCZxR

— Dave Caulfield (@DaveCaulfield_) October 14, 2021

We will finally see a stretch of 40s at night starting on Friday. The temperature drop is expected to bring Michiana's fall color from minimal to patchy as we start next week.

Peak fall color this year is still on track to be near Halloween, if not slightly after.