Forecasters say a hot, dry summer could shorten the window to see fall foliage
TORONTO — The vibrant colours of Ontario’s fall foliage could have a shorter display than expected this year after a hot and dry summer.
Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips said the trees in eastern Canada could soon show the effects of a hotter and drier summer than normal, and they may not hold on to their leaves for very long as fall colours arrive.
“We’ve seen more days above 30 (degrees) this year in some places than the previous three summers. It’s been great beer-drinking weather, but not necessarily great for trees,” he said.
While the trees may not currently show signs of stress, they’ve had a difficult few months, with some parts of Ontario and Quebec getting 50 per cent or less rain than normal. Phillips said the dry conditions combined with hot temperatures are a “double whammy” for the foliage, and the autumn colours this year might have a shorter, less vivid lifespan.