Longer but duller season? How the weather impacts foliage

Autumn foliage is in full swing, but how has the weather this year impacted the colours we see?

The summer drought produced a whole host of problems, including rivers running dry across Europe, but unfortunately the issues weren't just limited to summer, with an impact now on our autumn harvest, and also our foliage.

The best conditions for the most colourful displays are warm, sunny days followed by cool nights, but dry conditions this summer resulted in dulled autumn foliage in many parts of the world. Sub-zero temperatures at night can also shorten an autumn leaf season and dull leaf brightness.

Whilst we certainly experienced dryness, frost has not particularly impacted our foliage in the UK. October was unseasonably mild, and has provisionally recorded temperatures 1.8C warmer than average across the UK. October of 2022 was the seventh warmest October on record, and the amount of rain made little dent on the summer dryness.

So whilst the summer drought negatively impacted the foliage with weaker colours than usual in places, the recent mild conditions have prolonged the peak of the colours, allowing us to enjoy their beauty for longer.

Heavy wind or rain can then cause leaves to drop earlier before they fully develop, so with November starting on an unsettled note, we may start to see many more leaves now on the ground, rather than on the trees.

Leaves on the ground can actually produce travel disruptions, as it can affect railway adhesion. Keep an eye out for a piece explaining this later in the week!