
Fall Color Update
Here's the fall color update for Minnesota. Thanks to recent frosty overnight lows and dwindling daylight - peak color is coming fast to a backyard near you. Note that peak color is already being reported across parts of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin with near peak color in many other locations. Get out there and enjoy it quick before it's too late!
See more from the MN DNR HERE & Travel Wisconsin HERE:

Average Fall Color
The MN DNR has put together a nice graphic that shows typical dates for peak fall color. The northern par of the state starts to peak during the 2nd half of September into early October. Meanwhile, folks in the central part of the state and into the metro typically don't see peak color until the end of September into the middle part of October. It won't be long now - enjoy!

What Causes Fall Colors?
The chemicals
Four main groups of biochemicals are responsible for the various yellows, oranges, reds and browns that we see in the fall: Chlorophyll, Carotenoids, Anthocyanins, Tannins. Each has its own color and chemistry. As the amount of these chemicals vary, they will cause subtle variations in color from one leaf to the next, or even from tree to tree.

How Does Weather Affect Fall Color?

Light Rain Midweek
Here's the weather outlook through the week ahead, which shows another cold front blasting through midweek with rain chances and colder temps.

Precipitation Potential
Here's the precipitation potential, which shows very light rainfall amounts across the state. Most locations will be lucky to see 0.05" to 0.10" tallies, but a few lucky communities in eastern Minnesota into Wisconsin will see the best chance of rain.

Sharp Cold Front Arrives Midweek
Here's the 850mb temp anomaly through Friday. Note the oranges and reds in place through midweek, which suggests above average temps through that time frame. However, there is a sharp cold front that will blast through late Wednesday with temps turning well below average.