The fall colors in Michigan are developing very quickly. At this pace, all of Michigan may have peaked by mid-October.
Northern Lower Michigan is getting more and more color by the hour. We spent the weekend on Duck Lake in Interlochen, MI. The color around the lake was nice on Saturday. On Sunday the color had brightened up and increased noticeably. That's when I realized the leaf color is changing very quickly right now.
Fall colors on Monday, Sept. 29, 2014. Colors are at peak in the western U.P. and near peak at inland areas of northern Lower Michigan.
I've asked you to submit very current photos and update us on the color. Here is a summary of the reports over the last few days.
At peak color:
The inland areas of the western half of the U.P. are reportedly at peak right now. This is about a week earlier than normal. As you move toward the water of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, there is a little less color. Those near water areas will probably peak in the next seven days. If you are going through the U.P. in the next few days, take roads that are well inland to see the best color. Leaf drop so far has been reported as minimal.
Nearing peak color:
Inland parts of Northern Lower Michigan are really looking brilliant and color is rapidly developing. Over the last five days, everyone reported each day looked more colorful than the previous day.
The drive along M-115 from Clare to Cadillac to Mesick is looking stellar, and should have peak color in the next few days. M-37 from Mesick to Buckley is going to peak in the next few days. The drive up I-75 from Grayling to Gaylord is reportedly gaining color fast. M-61 through the Gladwin area is still spectacular. U.S. 10 has stretches of good color between Midland and Clare.
The inland part of the eastern U.P. also has reports of some good color developing.
Peaking in about a week:
The yellow areas on the map are showing good color, but may still be up to seven days away from peak color. Again, the farther inland you will be, the quicker the color change. Midland, the Big Rapids area, and Northeast Lower Michigan may be peaking this weekend, or early next week.
Still one to two weeks from peak color:
The green areas on the map have some color. Isolated trees have already changed, but much of the landscape is still mostly green. The colors are changing rapidly also in southern Lower Michigan, and should peak between October 7 and October 14. This again is one week ahead of most years.
Don't wait to enjoy!
This Friday and Saturday a wind filled storm system will move through Michigan. This could start to yank down the leaves in areas that are at peak color right now. So if you can get away during the work week, it would be a good idea. Up to yesterday, there was very little leaf fall reported. But today I am getting reports of isolated trees that have completely changed losing their leaves.
So the fall color is developing fast. But it's hard to tell if the color will last an extended time period. That usually depends on how stormy and windy it is in mid-October.
Submit your photos in the comments below or the form below, if that is easier for you.
And give us your evaluation of the color in your area right now.
MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa has been forecasting Michigan weather for more than 20 years. He's been chief meteorologist at three television news stations in Michigan, and he's an avid gardener and hunter. Email him at mtorregr@mlive.com and find him on Facebook at facebook.com/mark.torregrossa and Twitter @weathermanmark