As we approach the autumn season, many around the Raccoon Valley Radio area have already begun to see leaves fall from trees.

State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan says the extreme drought conditions that have affected west-central Iowa throughout the summer affect many areas including agriculture quality and production, soil conditions, and even how the leaves fall from trees, “So, these cooler and wetter conditions that we’ve seen over the recent days, combined with the drought conditions and abnormal dryness that we’ve seen across the state should give us a good period of leaves changing probably in the next few weeks. And we’ve noticed in some areas, especially where it’s been drier, trees have actually been dropping their leaves, that’s a defense mechanism that they have to conserve water vapor and energy. They’ll shut the leaves off earlier and they’ll drop. So, that will also impact fall colors.” 

The recent drought condition report lists much of the Raccoon Valley Radio listening area showing severe drought conditions. Glisan adds that the recent rain will help, but there’s still a long way to relieve the drought. You can hear more from Glisan on Tuesday’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program.