SCIENCE
Fall 2024: When will the leaves change?
Fall is here, and in some states, the leaves will soon begin changing colors.
Fall has officially arrived, with shorter days and crisper air greeting those in the northern hemisphere as the cooler months approach. Fall colors come to mind as a visual representation of the season and, for many, are a reminder that the year is coming to a close.
In the United States, the fall arrives in phases, with some areas seeing the colors of the leaves change before others. Farmers Almanac provides a specific period for each US state, with those that are likely to see the colors change first being:
- Central Montana
- Central New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- Vermont
In these areas, the leaves begin turning towards the end of September, at least in some parts of the state. In the remaining states, the leaves begin changing color in October, and the process lasts through early November in some areas.
Why do trees leave their leaves in the fall?
Just before winter, many trees shed their leaves in an attempt to conserve energy when temperatures drop. Deciduous trees shed their leaves, which many notice in the fall, whereas coniferous varieties grow cones and needles (think of a pine tree), which they do not shed.
When does Daylight Savings Time end?
In the US, states that follow Daylight Savings Time will move their clocks back one hour on Sunday, October 27. The end of DST means that many will see the sun set earlier in their geographies, but they are likely to benefit from a bit of additional sunshine in the morning hours.