We have turned the page on the seasonal calendar to autumn and although the weather during the first few days of the new season will feel a lot more like summer, rest assured there are plenty of crisp, cool days in our future. Along with that you've probably already started to notice some of the leaves beginning to transition. Typically the most colorful autumn display on the trees in North Central Wisconsin can be found from the last week in September through the middle of October. There are a few factors in play that can affect how long the bright yellow, orange and red hues stick around. First off is how many windy days we have as the peak colors arrive. It always seems that those blustery rain storms seem to roll our way just in time when the glow of the colors are at their best. If winds end up howling at 20 to 30 mph for a day or two, you'll have to snap those scenic photos quick. Another terminal effect can be the onslaught of frost and freeze conditions. As I talked about in my last blog, the end of the growing season is almost here and the same frosty conditions can literally erase the leaves from the trees in one night. If you don't believe me, wait for the next night when frost or freeze conditions are possible and check out the trees in your yard before sunset and then again the next morning. Sure enough, you'll likely have to pull out the rake or get the leave blower going. Finally, another weather related aspect is our late summer and now early autumn dry conditions. Considering the last few summers have been generally dry, this summer was pretty close to average until August got underway. So I think this go around, the trees should provide a pretty nice display. However, summer drought conditions can lead to a faded look to the leaves and a quicker start to the leaves changing. I can still remember a few years back seeing leaves turning red in late August. Of course, if you want to keep track of when the peak colors will arrive throughout the state, check out the Travel Wisconsin website.

Meantime, our 24/7 digital weather channel has gotten a makeover, with a new layout and even more forecast information for a number of towns in North Central Wisconsin. You can check it out on 7-3, Charter Digital Cable channel 247 and right here on the webchannel by clicking on the "Live Video". One last note, Charter Cable will be re-arranging their digital channels in early October, which includes our 24/7 weather channel. It will be making a move to channel 968 alongside MyNetwork TV on 969. We'll give you plenty of reminders before and after the switch is made so you can continue to enjoy the most up to date weather information in the area.