2017 Fall Foliage In Herndon: Green, Green, Go Away

What on Earth is going on, autumn? Why aren't you here yet?

That's undoubtedly what a lot of people are asking in the D.C. area, with the trees still very green as of Oct. 22 in our area. But fear not, the brilliant foliage you're waiting for is almost here.

As you've probably noticed, it's been quite warm so far this month. That's no surprise to forecasters. Earlier this month, the Capital Weather Gang predicted that this October would rival the warmest October on record for the D.C. area thanks to a huge trough of low pressure in Alaska that is pulling the jet stream into our region.

Additionally, a late summer drought is resulting in "duller yellows, less vibrant reds, and a lot of early leaf fall," according to the Virginia Department of Forestry's Fall Foliage Report dated Oct. 21.

This is right around the time we hit our peak in terms of fall colors, so expect the colors to change quite soon. For much of Virginia, it already has, and in the mountains they're already past peak. So fear not, residents of Herndon: your autumn will be here soon enough.

"The lower elevations, including much of Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, will be at their best this weekend," the report states. "Virginia is more than just mountains. Some of this year’s best color might be found in urban landscapes. Across the northern Piedmont, city maples are flaring yellow, orange and red. Central Virginia’s oaks are still green, so the show is far from over. Eastern Virginia’s green is lightening to yellow, with scattered colorful branches hinting that even here, fall has arrived!"

Maple, gum, ash, beech, and birch trees are likely to go first. The following chart will help you pick out which is which:

• ash - yellow, maroon
• beech - yellow to orange
• dogwood - scarlet to purple
• hickory - golden bronze
• oak - red, brown or russet
• poplar - golden yellow
• red maple - brilliant scarlet

Image via Pixabay