Colorado's drought could reduce the vibrance of one of the state's signature autumn events.
Leaf season may begin and end sooner than usual and bring less vivid color this year.
Here's what to know
In a TikTok video, Kylie Bearse (@KylieBearse), a Fox 31 meteorologist, warned that dry conditions are likely to weaken Colorado's fall foliage season.
@kyliebearse Bad news for fall colors lovers: This year the drought will make things less vibrant, the season will likely be earlier and shorter 😭 It's still going to be beautiful (always is) but just like the wildflower season - it just won't be what we're used to #colorado #fallcolors ♬ original sound - KylieBearse | CO Meteorologist
"I think it's going to be far less vibrant. It's gonna be earlier, and it could be a lot shorter as well, and this is all, of course, due to our drought conditions," Bearse said.
Without enough moisture, leaves may not stay healthy long enough to develop the bright shades people typically associate with autumn.
"Our trees, obviously, they need moisture in order to have those nice, healthy leaves, and that can lead to some really vibrant, gorgeous fall colors when we have a really healthy water year," Bearse explained. "That was not this year."
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A lack of water can also push trees into dormancy sooner, which means leaves may fall before peak color fully arrives.
The metro area and foothills are expected to be closer to early October. Spots at higher elevation levels should turn sooner. Places like Steamboat, Rocky Mountain National Park, and much of Summit County will see changing colors in mid-to-late September.
More background
Fall color season is more than just a scenic perk in Colorado. It shapes weekend plans and tourism in mountain towns that typically draw crowds seeking classic views of foliage.
Some of the most intense drought conditions have hit the high country and parts of the metro area, including places known for standout foliage.
People commenting on the post said they were seeing signs of trouble.
One person wrote, "Leaves are already falling I've noticed."
Another commenter said, "It just feels like the trees are just dying and not turning."
A third person added, "There's no water. Of course it's a nightmare."
What can be done?
Because the transition is expected to happen faster, waiting too long to take a trip could mean missing the peak entirely, especially at higher elevations.
Even in a weaker year, some pockets could still put on a good show. Areas that are lower in elevation may still be worth visiting after mountain leaves have fallen.
Even with the disappointing outlook, Bearse noted, "It's still gonna be beautiful, just not quite what we're used to."
Where can I learn more?
The same dry conditions behind a weaker leaf season are showing up in other areas with tight water supplies.
• In Colorado, an emergency drought phase follows record-low snowpack and historic river lows.
• In Aurora, reservoirs fall to 55% and yellow lawns are coming.
Though there aren't any immediate solutions, at least not on the individual level, learning about why this is happening can create a better understanding of how the natural world works.
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