(KNSI) – Peak color in central Minnesota is typically the last week of September or the first week of October, but it might be a bit late this year.
St. Cloud and the surrounding region are still at 0-10% according to the Department of Natural Resources weekly report, issued early Thursday. There are some spots not too far away where yellows, oranges, and reds are starting to show up. An area consisting of northeastern Benton County, eastern Morrison County, and most of Mille Lacs County is nearing 50% of peak.
Leaves change color as trees quit producing chlorophyll due to the shorter days of fall and winter when sunlight is weakest.
The DNR tracks fall color progression at over 70 parks across the state. You can find the latest report here.
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