How you can tell it’s fall in L.A., according to a guy from Vermont
In a week of record-setting heat we were treated to one of the worst heat indices over the past 70 years in southern California. But when it comes to the season of the leaves, there are a few tell tales that might tell you where you are.
Here are the top five ways to tell it’s fall in L.A. …
1. The leaves are falling from trees.
According to Dr. Stephen Eichbaum, a professor emeritus of forestry science at the University of Vermont, who has conducted research in the Bay Area for more than 45 years, the top reason that he believes everyone notices when fall colors change is due to the leaves falling from trees.
“I tell people on the drive down to Vermont — you see them first in the fall — but the reason they notice it is because the leafless trees are turning yellow and turning brown,” Eichbaum said.
If you’re seeing color changes coming from trees, chances are it’s fall.
2. And the temperature at night is dropping.
In the Bay Area for example, Eichbaum said the average lows in September are around 20 degrees. But as winter nears, the low at night can fall to around 20 degrees.
“September, by the way, is the worst month for the heat index,” Eichbaum said. “You go from about 100 degrees [F] down to 60.”
3. And the leaves on the ground are falling.
Eichbaum said that’s another key indicator that autumn is near.
“It’s a good indicator to look for because leaves on the ground indicate air temperatures and moisture, and the weather pattern over the last few weeks,” he said.
The leaves on the ground are falling, meaning there has been a decrease in moisture in the air, as well as a decrease in temperature