Great fall foliage predicted for NC mountains | News

ASHEVILLE, NC. (AP) - A university biologist predicts western North Carolina's trees should show vibrant colors this fall after a year of low rainfall.

Western Carolina University professor Kathy Mathews says low rainfall in the mountains this spring and summer should result in a beautiful forest display this fall. The fall foliage forecaster says rainfall was slightly below normal in March, average for April and May, and slightly below normal in June and July.

The peak of the fall color season is expected to start in the higher elevations during the second week of October.

Fall tree colors aren't guaranteed. Mathews says if Hurricane Irene drops heavy rains on western North Carolina, that could affect what nature-lovers see.

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