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Weather Impact 101 | Why do fall leaves change?

Fall has begun and changes are on the way, but why? This segment of Weather Impact 101 breaks it all down.

TEMPLE, Texas — Bye-bye summer and hello fall!

This year's fall season officially began on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 8:43 a.m. eastern. 

Fall is a season that reminds us of the holidays with that sweet potato pie smell in the air and it also brings changes to the forecast. One change we all see is the leaves changing color and falling to the ground. Leaves change colors because the Chlorophyll in leaves begins to break down due to cooler weather. 

Other chemicals such as Carotene, Xanthophyll, and Anthocyanin turn the leaves red, orange, and yellow.

Fall, also known as Autumn, will have brighter colored leaves when late summer is dry and days are sunny with cool nights. 

Here in Central Texas, we can expect to see brighter colored leaves, but we are still awaiting peak fall foliage. Peak fall foliage occurs near late November. However, leaves will begin to change color around late October. 

Embrace the change of the new season and get ready to enjoy holiday festivities and cooler weather. 

Credit: Meteorologist Avaionia Smith

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