Climate change blamed for turning fall leaf colors dull – NBC10 Philadelphia

This week begins the start of the peak time for leaves changing colors in our region and climate change has both a direct and an indirect impact on when you'll see the colors change.

For many, the changing of the seasons offers a chance to take in nature's beauty with many heading to the Poconos and riding on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, Pa .

"This is so popular is because of the colors on the trees and the leaves and there are people that will make a whole weekend and be a tourist for a day," Senior Vice President of the Passenger Department at the Reading and North Railroad Matt Fisher said.

Looking at the latest U.S. drought monitor map for the Delaware Valley it shows that 92% of the region is at least abnormally dry.

Despite current drought conditions and warmer nights, there is some good news for those wanting to get out and see this year's fall foliage, according to the Reading Railroad.

"A lot of people think that the peak of the leaf color change is in early October. It's traditionally about the second week of October into the third week of October and that can be definitely changed if a storm comes through with rain and wind. Then unfortunately the leaves will go down quicker. But a lot of times you'll still see a full color all the way through the third and even fourth week of October," Fisher said.

So, you do still have time to take full advantage of the beautiful colors along the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.