Fall color in Eastern Ohio is exceptionally vibrant this year.
- Consistent rainfall provides conditions for optimum fall color
- Fall color arrives suddenly and earlier than usual
- Oaks display bright reds this year
Peak foliage colors appeared suddenly in East Central Ohio this fall. The third week in October is typically when foliage here reaches its full beauty. This year it arrived about a week early.
Belmont County had lots of rainfall this spring all the way through to fall, so a spectacular show of fall colors is not surprising.
Typically, the oak leaves go from green to brown in the fall. But this year, for the first time in memory, they are vibrant red.
The sudden appearance of fall color may put some urgency into attempts to go out and see fall color. Like many fall seasons, the color arrived at the same time as the wind and rain.
This fall is no exception. 16 mph winds and rain threaten to spoil the show, but there are usually pockets of color still to be found.
The yellows and oranges offer comfort to the soul but the reds, like a spice, give kick to the season.