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If you remember, not too long ago the Farmer's Almanac came out with their annual prediction for the upcoming winter 2023-24 season. Unfortunately, for much of the U.S., it predicted a colder winter. Much of the country also had the prediction of a wetter winter. That's not good if you don't like snow. But, now the National Weather Service has come out with its annual prediction. That said, the new Florida winter 2023-24 outlook is pretty extreme.
First of all, let's look at trends from last year. Here's a fun fact: The average temperature across the contiguous U.S. in February 2023 was 36.5 degrees F, 2.7 degrees above the 20th-century average, according to Noaa.gov. That makes it rank in the warmest third of the 129-year climate record. They add that in 2023, "Virginia had its warmest February on record, while we here in Georgia, along with Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and West Virginia all saw the second-warmest Februaries. Delaware, Florida and Tennessee ranked third warmest, with nine additional states experiencing a top-10 warmest February on record." So, the trend is warmed, at least in certain areas of the country.
Florida Winter 2023-24 Outlook
Now, the Climate Prediction Center's revised three-month outlook for January-February-March of 2024 is for much warmer temperatures and drier conditions for the northern part of the U.S., including Michigan. In fact, the further north you go, the warmer it will be. The top of Michigan and going into the U.P. is dark orange and red on the prediction map, meaning it's going to be much warmer than normal. The only area of the U.S. that looks to be below normal is a small part of New Mexico and Arizona.
As for Florida, we are deep in the "equal chances area," meaning that we have an equal chance or a colder or warmer winter. But, here's the dramatic part: In Florida, we have a very above average chance of a much wetter winter. All of Florida is in dark green on the map, meaning we should expect to get super wet this season. Hopefully that won't manifest into frost or some kind of extreme weather.
The fall season is a glorious time in America. From coast to coast, many different areas off beautiful fall colors in radiant reds, oranges and yellows. So, what are the most beautiful spots for fall colors in America?
Peak fall foliage season is different based on where you are located. Some areas of the U.S. see fall colors as early as September, while others peak later on, such as in October or even November. Generally speaking, areas with longer winters will have earlies fall colors, and areas with longer summers will have later fall colors. Most of America hits peak fall foliage season in the month of October. Of course, areas bordering Canada will be the first to see those colors.
If you're wondering the science behind the fall colors, the color that the leaves become depends on a few factors. Those include the chlorophyll and weather conditions during the summer or fall. Chlorophyll is a pigment that aids in giving leaves their color. In general, big changes from the norm in precipitation, whether it's getting way too much rain or not enough, can really impact the fall foliage season.
Also, I remember last year, the radiant colors in my area fell off the trees early. The reason was that we had a wind storm come through, so the leaves fell prematurely. I was pretty upset about it, because not only do I like to see beautiful fall colors, I also like to paint fall colors. So, my muse was gone.
That said, if you are in the mood to view fall colors this year, here are some great places to do it. Read on for 10 Beautiful spots in America for fall colors. What are your favorite areas to see fall foliage? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know.
Florida Has One of Most Beautiful Areas in America for Fall Colors
Vogel State Park- Georgia
If you're looking for a late spot to view vibrant fall colors, then we have just the area for you. Vogel State Park, located around the Chattahoochee National Forest in Blairsville, Georgia, is a great area to see fall foliage going into the first half of November. It's a great late-season trip.
Cape May - New Jersey
Cape May in New Jersey is a delightful area to see autumn colors later in the season. From mid-October and through November, the colors here are bright. Don't miss the views of the historic lighthouses in the area, too, plus all the area parks.
Lamoille Canyon - Nevada
Lamoille Canyon in Nevada offers some stunning looks in the autumn months. The area is located in the Ruby Mountains and offers a wide array of fall colors with plenty of different kinds of trees. You can drive on the 12-mile Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway for a prime view.
Traverse City - Michigan
The north parts of Michigan are glorious in the fall months. Traverse City is located on Lake Michigan, and in the fall, the trees turn bright orange and yellow. This area gets really cold in the winter, so the summer and fall months are the best time to travel there. Spring is nice, too.
Torreya State Park - Florida
I know what you're thinking. Fall colors in Florida? The Sunshine State isn't known for their fall colors, but Torreya State Park offers some great, late-season views. The area has quite a few varieties of trees that show their colors in early November. It's worth the road trip, if you live south of there.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Michigan
Waterfalls and fall colors? That sounds great to me. The Tahquamenon Falls State Park has one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. This state park is huge, too, offering 50,000 acres of forest. It's beautiful in the fall.
Blue Ridge Parkway - Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is stunning any time of the year, but especially in the fall. The trees on this 469-mile Appalachian attraction turn beautiful shades in the fall, so it's a splendor for the senses. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina and is divided into four districts: the Ridge region, the Plateau region, the Highlands region, and the Pisgah region.
Washington Crossing - Pennsylvania
The Washington Crossing Historic Park is a special, historical area, because it's the spot where George Washington crossed the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to New Jersey in 1776. Aside from its history, this Pennsylvania landmark is beautiful in the fall. It offers plenty of bright trees, as well as a colonial reenactment event.
The Great Smoky Mountains - Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee has some of the greatest fall foliage in America. It also has one of the longest fall foliage seasons, so you get plenty of time to take it in. The colors can arrive as early as the middle of September and go all the way through the middle of November. Take it in.
Lenox - Massachusetts
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary offers a great spot for a hike in the middle part of October, because the colors are so vivid. Expect a delightful view of the vibrant colors. It's a nice area if you don't want to travel to New Hampshire or Burlington, Vermont, and it's a bit more off the radar.
