Early fall color at the higher elevations

From the Institute for Climate Education at A-B Tech: It really is a magical time of the year, as our once deep-green mountainsides begin to show their fall color. The reduced daylight hours have triggered the deciduous trees’ preparation for the coming winter and, at times, it seems like the changes happen so quickly that you can see them occur overnight. I took this image Thursday morning — amazed at just how fast these trees seem to be changing.

The longest days in Western North Carolina occur during late June (around the summer solstice), and have about 14 hours and 34 minutes of daylight. Now, during early October, our days are already much shorter, down to 11 hours and 41 minutes of daylight. That’s 2.8 hours less daylight than we had in late June. Quite a difference!

As the temperatures continue to trend downward, we will witness one of nature’s most amazing shows as our mountains put on a visual spectacle second to none over the next month. Enjoy the show!!

The Institute is hosting a free public seminar on Thursday, Nov. 8. at 6 p.m. at Ferguson Auditorium on the A-B Tech Asheville campus. Meteorologist Tom Ross will present the long-range winter weather outlook for this winter.  Join us and learn the latest about El Niño and whether or not it will have an impact on our winter.  Click here for more information including an informational flyer and a map.

I hope to see you there!

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