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This Fall Foliage Map Predicts When the Leaves Will Change

Photo credit: SmokeyMountains.com
Photo credit: SmokeyMountains.com

From Country Living

  • SmokyMountains.com's 2019 fall foliage map predicts exactly when the leaves will change across the United States.

  • The map uses NOAA precipitation forecasts, historical precipitation, average daylight exposure, and temperature forecasts to make predictions about peak foliage times.


Autumn is almost here, y'all!

Unpack your coziest sweaters and dust off your favorite fall recipes and pumpkin recipes, because leaf-peeping season is on its way. No matter how you choose to celebrate this time of year, whether it's by heading on a fall foliage train ride or decorating your mantel, everything on your fall bucket list is more festive when done against a backdrop of beautiful foliage.

This year, you can plan ahead by pinpointing exactly when the leaves are expected to change in your area, thanks to an interactive fall foliage map.

"The [2019] predictive fall leaf map helps potential travelers, photographers, and leaf peepers determine the precise future date that the leaves will peak in each area of the continental United States," data scientist Wes Melton explained in a press release.

He continued, "By utilizing the date selector at the bottom of the map, the user can visually understand how fall will progress over a region. We believe this interactive tool will enable travelers to take more meaningful fall vacations, capture beautiful fall photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of autumn."

While it's impossible to predict with *total* certainty when the foliage will be at its peak, this map uses a "unique blend of historical and forecast data" to create a predictive algorithm that's rooted in science and based on meteorology.

"The major factors impacting peak fall are sunlight, precipitation, soil moisture and temperature," Melton said. "Although we cannot control Mother Nature and ensure 100% accuracy, our data sources are top-tier and each year we refine our algorithmic model achieving higher accuracy over time."

Now if you'll excuse us, we need to go plan our fall getaway!

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