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High temperatures may delay appearance of autumn foliage in Japan

Sep 05 (Japan Times) - Summer temperatures have yet to cool off, and meteorologists believe that this year’s scorching heat may have pushed back the arrival of autumn foliage season — predicting its start will likely be later than usual across almost all regions of Japan.

Experts believe Sapporo will be the first area to enjoy the autumn foliage season. They predict the best date to enjoy yellow ginkgo leaves will be Nov. 6, and for viewing maple leaves, Nov. 7. Hokkaido’s mountain maple trees usually turn red by around Oct. 25, meaning this year’s foliage in the prefecture will peak 13 days later than usual.

In its first forecast for this year’s autumn foliage season, released Tuesday, Osaka-based Japan Meteorological Corp. sees the earliest anticipated time for both yellow and red foliage to arrive as around usual, but believes it’s more likely the season will arrive later than usual since September and October temperatures are expected to be higher than average.

The company explained that temperature plays an important role in how autumn foliage will look, as leaves turn yellow or red more quickly if temperatures continue to drop. It said a warm period during fall may lower the intensity of autumn colors, and may delay the arrival of the autumn foliage season.

Typically, ginkgo tree leaves turn yellow sooner than maple tree leaves. Overall, fall leaves change colors faster at higher altitudes.

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