Fall foliage may not be as vibrant this year after the Autumn Equinox

Fall foliage may not be as vibrant because of climate changePhoto byYoutube screenshot

Leaves on the trees may look different this fall

The Autumn Equinox begins on Saturday, September 23, at 2:50 a.m. marking the beginning of fall. In Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Blue Ridge Parkway have some of the most beautiful colors you can experience this time of year. If it seems the hues are not as vibrant as in the past it's not your imagination.

Scientists have revealed that both the timing and intensity of the Fall Equinox have been affected by climate change according to PBS. According to Bill Keeton, a professor of Forest Ecology and Forestry at the University of Vermont, climate change-especially warmer summers may have, over time been delaying the onset of fall foliage for up to a month over the past century.

Fall Equinox may not be as colorful this yearPhoto byYoutube screenshot

Wildfire smoke and ash may also affect fall colors

Keeton also said it's possible that ash from recent wildfires may also affect the color of fall foliage. Experts say the effect of the smokey summers may be minuscule but combined with climate change there might be a noticeable difference. Keep this in mind as you watch the Virginia Autumn Equinox and fall colors unfold.