Southern Appalachian Leaf Season- - - BEST in Many Years Likely

Lots of factors determine the leaf viewing season in our Climate and we're blessed with many different types of hardwoods and extensive forests in the Southeast.  But the preceding weather conditions for the previous 2 seasons is probably the most important. Based on this year's weather patterns, I think the Great Smokies and Blue Ridge of Tennessee, North Carolina and Southeast Kentucky and western Virginia will be a standout. There were several high wind episodes earlier in the Spring and Summer, which oddly enough, may have helped strip weaker limbs and trees, and the rainfall was neither too heavy nor light.  Contrast that with what may be too much rain (on top of previously stressed trees from extreme heat and drought) in eastern NC and part of eastern Virginia.  In the heart of the piedmont of Georgia and the Carolinas, I'm going for above average color.

 One of the main reasons for this year's banner outlook is the extremely long growing season. It began fairly early after a harsh, cold Winter.  Many times, especially in the last decade, a Spring Freeze occurred which disrupted natural leaf procession.  Of course, if we end up with a major storm, or heavy rain event, or even prolonged heat into October, that will affect my outlook, but so far, so good I think.