An adjusted forecast for the region from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows the fall colors will still be near their peak for the 2024 season this week.

The latest report for central Iowa indicates the regional will be “peak fall color from now through this weekend. Lots of yellows including cottonwood, elm, walnut, hackberry, ash, hickory, and others. Red and crimson colors are good on sumac, dogwood, Virginia creeper, and some maples. Oaks are turning red.”

For south central Iowa, the “Yellow colors are plentiful (hickories, elm, cottonwood). Many trees are losing their leaves quickly due to high wind and drought. Oaks are starting to turn color, but are still very green. They will be very showy by the end of this week and weekend. Fall colors are in full swing across Lucas and Monroe Counties. Oaks are starting to show brilliant changes. Yellows shown by hickories and cottonwood are nearing the end of their season.”