When will fall colors peak in Maryland this year?

Fall is officially underway in Maryland, and the first signs of its signature orange and red leaves are just beginning to pop up on the state’s trees.

Peak fall colors will start in mid-October, according to predictions from foresters at the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The DNR recently released the first in a series of fall foliage reports, where foresters from around the state provide updates on color changes in trees and plants.

Maryland’s fall is projected to be average for foliage, meaning colors will peak first in western parts of the state like Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties. Foliage will be at its apex in those areas between Oct. 14-17, according to a prediction from State Forester Anne Hairston-Strang.

“In general, we are expecting a pretty good year,” Hairston-Strang said.

Trees across the state have enough soil moisture to pull chlorophyll, the green pigment in the leaves, down into the roots, she explained.

“It’s sort of like pulling back that green curtain and leaving those brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows,” Hairston-Strang said.

Predicting exactly when colors peak is difficult because it can change day-to-day based on factors like precipitation and temperature, but foresters project that after Western Maryland sees peak foliage, colors will move east.

Central parts of the state like Baltimore and the capital region should see their peaks a week or two later, in late October. Finally, peak foliage will reach Maryland’s Eastern Shore by early November, Hairston-Strang projects.

It’s not just the trees that change with the season. Fall also brings new wildflowers across Maryland. Goldenrod and aster, two purple and yellow autumn wildflowers that often grow together, are already in full bloom, according to Washington County Forester Aaron Cook.

For those looking for a spot to take it all in, Hairston-Strang recommends Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County. The forest has a scenic overlook directly off Interstate 68.

Wheaton Regional Park, particularly Brookside Gardens, and the trails of Greenbelt Park promise some beautiful fall strolls in the capital region. Closer to Baltimore, areas around Lake Roland as well as the Loch Raven, Liberty and Prettyboy reservoirs are popular for taking in fall colors.

Warm fall forecast in Maryland

A strong El Niño year will dictate Maryland’s fall weather, according to the National Weather Service.

The climate pattern will delay the need for winter coats, with Maryland fitting in with the nationwide trend of a warmer fall, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s seasonal outlook from October to December.

The majority of the state is projected to have a 40%-50% chance of above-normal temperatures, with a few of the southernmost areas, like Saint Mary’s County, having a 33%-40% chance of above-normal temperatures.

Rain jackets and umbrellas should also be at the ready. Most of Maryland has a 33%-40% chance of more precipitation than normal, according to NOAA’s projections.