These days, there are two kinds of Chicagoans: the sun-chasers still clinging on to summer for dear life, and the fall fans already cozying up with a celebratory pumpkin spice latte. If you identify with the latter, it’s time to turn your attention to the Illinois Fall Foliage Map, an interactive chart that illustrates when trees will reach peak autumn splendor across the state.
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To predict when leaves across Illinois will erupt with fiery colors, the foliage fanatics at Explore Fall use an innovative in-house predictive weather model that considers a slew of factors—everything from temperature and precipitation to in-person observations. Granted, it’s not a completely fail-safe tool, but the end result offers an exciting sneak peek at what’s to come across the state this fall. To increase the utility of the model, Explore Fall provides daily updates to complement their season-long map, so be sure to check the map often if you take your leaf peeping seriously.
If you’re a firm believer that you can never have too many foliage maps (is there such a thing?), SmokyMountains.com has also released its trusty annual fall foliage prediction map. Informed by millions of data points from sources like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Prediction Map creates 50,000 predictive data pieces that are mapped out for users to browse as the season progresses.
Wondering when fall foliage will begin to appear in Chicago this year? According to Explore Fall, leaves in Chicago will begin taking on warmer hues at the end of September, while Smoky Mountains predicts we’ll be waiting until early October to see much color at all. Both maps confirm that northern and western Illinois will enjoy major color shifts in mid-October—before any other region in the state—so consider taking a day trip to admire the confetti of color. Moderate color will begin spreading across Chicago and Illinois’ entirety throughout October, reaching peak vibrancy during the week of October 26, just in time for Halloween festivities. Those vivid crimson and gold leaves will vanish by November, ushering in winter’s slow descent—but let’s not talk about that just yet.