Chicago

When Fall Foliage Will Peak in the Chicago Area

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the Chicago area is right on track for fall foliage

Fall leaves in Chicago will soon reach their peak.

According to the latest models, the Chicago area is under the “near peak” category for leaf changes this week.

Peak conditions could arrive as early as next week, said NBC Storm Team 5 Meteorologist Andy Avalos.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the Chicago area is right on track for fall foliage as the peak fall color in northern and central Illinois normally occurs by mid-October.

The changing leaves come as autumn days shorten days and cool, slowing down the production of chlorophyll in the leaves, the University of Illinois reports. Fall color typically starts in September and ends in November, but frost and freezing temperatures will stop the coloration process.

The Chicago area has already been under both frost and freeze advisories so far this season.

Contact Us