Nature’s Delay: What’s Keeping Arkansas’ Autumn Colors at Bay

The middle of October is fast approaching, and the leaves are just now starting to change color, barely in this region of Arkansas.

Latest Update on Fall Foliage in Arkansas

According to meteorologists from KARK, part of the problem stems from the warmer weather, which is averaging 3-5 degrees above normal, and the lack of rainfall. Some tree leaves are still holding on to green, while trees in northeast Arkansas are just drying out and turning brown due to stress.

In the higher elevations of northern Arkansas, fall colors are slowly beginning to show in the Ozarks and Boston Mountain range. Colors should start to build in mid-October and peak in the Northern part of the state in late October. The central and southern regions should begin to peak by mid-November.

Weather Update: More Hot Weather Coming to Arkansas Next Week

The bad news is that another high-pressure system will be setting up in Arkansas next week, which will once again bring more warmer weather to the state, with temperatures expected to be in the 90s again.

That will stall out any color changes. If the pattern holds, it could cause the leaves to dry up and turn brown with hardly any color. We really need some cooler nights, colder weather, and rain to turn the leaves vibrant colors of red and orange, but right now it's not looking favorable.

• Northwest Arkansas - Late October to early November
• West Central Arkansas - Peaks by mid-November
• Central and Eastern Arkansas - Mostly green for now, changing color by early November
• Southern Arkansas - Not much color for now, should peak by mid-November

Once the cooler weather sets in, the best places to see fall colors are lakes, rivers, and mountain regions through early November.

Read More: Another Big Diamond Found in Arkansas

C'mon, Fall, What Are You Waiting For?

For me, it's hard to get into the fall spirit when the weather is near 90 degrees and dry. It won't be long before warm blankets and s'mores over an open sky. It's coming; we need to be a little patient and hope for some cooler weather and some rain.