Experts are predicting “brighter and more concentrated colors” from this year’s autumn. But not all foliage is created equal.
Each region is expected to peak at different times. Since 2013, Tennessee-based travel brand SmokyMountains.com has released foliage maps each year to help tourists plan their leaf-related travels. Using data from around the country — including historical temperature and precipitation records, upcoming forecasts, and types of trees in each region — they’re able to guess where and when fall leaves will be most vibrant. Still, like any forecast, foliage tracking is “dependent on weather variables,” according to a press release from Smoky Mountains, and leaf predictions aren’t 100% accurate. This year, however, users will have the option to fill out a form to report the foliage they observe, which the Smoky Mountains team says will improve accuracy for next year’s projections.
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Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of all the foliage the season has in store — and when it will be at its most spectacular, according to the company.
Week of Sept. 11

Week of Sept. 18

Week of Sept. 25

Week of Oct. 2

Week of Oct. 9

Week of Oct. 16

Week of Oct. 23

Week of Oct. 30

Week of Nov. 6

Week of Nov. 13

Week of Nov. 20

Read Next:
- Foliage for the first time: How our California friend helped us see fall’s colors with fresh eyes
- Fall getaways your family will love. (Because let’s be real: Kids don’t really care about the pretty leaves.)
- Where to find foliage trackers for each New England state
- A meteorologist’s guide to New England’s best leaf peeping this fall
Emma Glassman-Hughes can be reached at emma.glassmanhughes@globe.com. Follow her @eglassmanhughes.