BALTIMORE, MD—Fall officially begins on Sunday, September 22 at 8:44 a.m. This year, Maryland’s fall foliage is expected to be different from previous years as many trees are changing color earlier than normal due to drought.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources predicts that the peak of fall colors will be earlier than normal in western Maryland including Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties. The leaves in these areas are currently two weeks ahead of schedule.

Yellow and gold leaf colors are produced by carotenoid pigments, which are ever-present in the leaves and are therefore less dependent on weather conditions. The brilliant leaf displays are typically produced after warm, sunny days and cool nights. During this time, the leaves produce an abundance of sugars. The cooler nights and gradual narrowing of leaf veins in the fall allow the sugars to remain trapped within the leaves. This process produces vivid anthocyanin pigments, which are responsible for the red, purple, and crimson colors of the leaves.

The fall colors are also a time for the arrival of native flowers that are blooming this season. The purple of New England aster complements the golden hues of the goldenrods, which directs more pollinators to each other. Maryland’s asters and goldenrods are highly important for pollinators working to provision their eggs for winter.

Despite the drought, Maryland’s fall colors are expected to be a beautiful sight this year. Yellow and gold leaf colors will be more prevalent than vibrant reds and purples due to the drought.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.