Happy Meteorological Fall, the day that meteorologists use to kick off the fall season for more weather-reporting consistency. While it is not the “official” start to fall (that happens with the autumn equinox on September 22 this year) it is a good day to share the latest foliage reports and get excited for the season to come.
It seems lower elevations in California are already starting to see hints of change, which while unusual, does not necessarily mean the early onset of autumn. But it sure does add to our excitement for the season ahead!
According to color spotter Veronica M., “Fall seems to be coming to Santa Cruz about 3 weeks early this year, just like spring did. We’ve had scorching days, followed by cooler nights, then days of cool fog, and heat again.”
Her images show a stand of liquidamber taken on the Westside, and her own Boston Ivy (with its lovely, early pink changes), beloved redbud tree, and fallen leaf take over the weekend.
“It is shocking to see!,” she exclaimed. “Overnight, about 5% of the weeping birch began to turn, which is about where it was last year at this time, and the ornamental cherry and plum look like midsummer. Down the street the ‘New England’ house, as we call it, with its small maples in the front yard, are just starting to turn at their tops.
“The forecast is cooler for the week. Perhaps the change will slow some, so we humans can catch up?”
Either way it seems that fall is off and running on this first day of September, but don’t worry peak color is still weeks away.
Santa Cruz (below 100′) – Just Starting – 0-10%
