08/28/2026
~Peak Fall Foliage 2026~
In the Upper Midwest, the dry summer will likely lead to an early-to-average peak for fall foliage. Trees are already beginning to change color in some areas as they experience stress from the lack of moisture. As a result, peak colors could arrive in as little as 2–3 weeks. Farther south, beneficial rainfall over the past few months should support a more average timeframe for peak foliage, along with more vibrant colors than those expected farther north. The absence of early frosts should also help preserve the quality and intensity of the fall colors. The primary negative factors to watch will be periods of windy conditions, which could cause leaves to fall prematurely, as well as the potential for early-season snow across parts of the Corn Belt in October. Overall, however, conditions appear favorable for a relatively good fall foliage season, particularly farther south.
