Featured Post from Western Carolina University

The Colors are Changing and WCU's Expert is Here if You're Wondering What to Expect

Oct 17, 2024

2 min

Darby Harris


Every autumn - one thing is for certain. The temps will get cooler, kids are back in school and the leaves are about to burst into a bouquet of reds, oranges, yellows, browns and more.


It's the time of year that draws nature lovers and those who just appreciate a change of scenery to go out, explore and enjoy everything nature has to offer at this time of year.


It's also a topic that garners serious media attention too. And when reporters are curious - they're connecting with experts like Western Carolina University's Darby Harris for insight and perspective about when the colors are set to change and where we can expect to take in the dbest displays of color.


A local expert is chiming in on what the leaves might look like this year. A Western Carolina University biology expert says it takes several factors to make a colorful leaf season including temperature, wetness and daylight.

The ingredients for fall color are the same every year, but aside from the predictable loss of daylight, the weather quantities are variable.

“I'd like to say with great optimism that we're on track for what I'd call a good fall season,” said WCU biology instructor Darby Harris.

He says our mountains could use some rain.

“Severe drought could be a problem, but we're not there yet,” he said.


Harris says sunny days and cooler weather in the mid-40 or upper-30 degrees are needed, too.

“Cooler nights are really what would be helpful for peak color production,” he said.

Dabs of yellows and oranges dot the landscape around the Blue Ridge Parkway as photosynthesis is underway. That brisk temperature can also add to the palette.  September 20 - ABC News


Are you curious about where to find the best colors as fall sets in across America?  If so - let us help.


WCU biology instructor Darby Harris and resident leaf expert is available to speak with media. Simply click on hic icon now to arrane an interview today.

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Darby Harris

Darby Harris

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Leaf ExpertMolecular PhysiologyMolecular BiologyGenetics

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