How is climate change impacting fall foliage?

IT'S OFFICIALLY FALL IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, but depending on where you are, it might not look like it.

- - BY SIMMONE SHAH

From Maine and Vermont to New York, tourists often flock to the U.S. East Coast to see the maple and oak leaves transform into vibrant oranges and reds. Leaves can change color from as early as mid-September all the way through early November. But pay closer attention and you might notice that the color shift isn't always following that predictable pattern from year to year. Research shows that climate change is already affecting when leaves fall, along with the vibrancy of their colors—a tree that was previously barren by the end of October might still have leaves come November, while a drought-stricken region might see dull, brown leaves that simply crumble off the tree.