NC fall colors will come and go faster this year due to drought conditions

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- It's that time of year when the leaves start to change color and fall from the trees, but why does it happen when temperatures start to cool?

ABC11 Chief Meteorologist Don Schwenneker said when cooler weather hits and the shorter days start to work in, we see the chemical called chlorophyll break down.

Chlorophyll is what brings green to all the trees. The process typically reveals the hidden yellow and orange carotenoid pigments already in the leaf. Some trees also produce new red and purple anthocyanin pigments when sugars are trapped in the leaves.

Bright colors are more likely when a couple of things happen.

One, you need late summer to be dry. Autumn also needs to have sunny days and cool nights.

This year, conditions are different as we're dealing with drought due to warmer temperatures.

Most of central North Carolina is experiencing moderate to severe drought, which means the fall colors will be duller. In addition, leaves will fall from trees a lot faster.

So, head out west, like Boone or Asheville, if you want to see some of those longer-lasting colors. More rain has fallen, and it might make for

There are still several weeks to go in your fall foliage season.