OHIO — Fall is here, and it's starting to show in some areas around the state.
Each year, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources releases a fall foliage outlook that updates Ohioans weekly on where trees are starting to change.
For the most part, the whole state is starting to see some color already.
“Ohio has experienced a very dry summer and early fall, which has led to some trees that are not drought resistant to start changing early,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott. “These species include maples, sycamores, and tulip poplars. However, some normal early changers such as buckeyes, poison ivy, and sumac have also begun to show their vibrant reds. Due to these early changers, our fall color reporters have been seeing changing conditions statewide.”
Parrott said it might be a "sporadic" fall season, with pockets of vibrant color popping up statewide through October.
“We are expecting the more drought resistant trees to change their colors at their typical times; however, some continued rain and cooler temperatures would really help these tree species even show more of their brilliant colors,” said Parrott. “In areas that have received more rain, peak colors are expected to occur in mid-October in the north and working south through the end of the month. For this fall color season, it will be important to check on our Ohio Fall Color Progress map to see what colors are changing where.”
According to the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor from last week, much of Ohio is still experiencing drought conditions, despite the recent bout of rain the Buckeye State saw this week. Southeastern Ohio into central has seen the worst of it, having exceptional or severe drought levels.
ODNR also reminded Ohioans to be careful of burning, as many counties remain in a burn ban.
"With the dry conditions, it is important to remember that environmental conditions like the ones we are experiencing now can cause wildfires to ignite much more easily, spread rapidly, and be extremely difficult to control," ODNR wrote in a release. "These extremely dry conditions are leading to an increased chance of many wildfire ignition sources, so be extremely careful when working and playing outside."