Michiganders don't have to bundle up just yet, because forecaster are predicting an unseasonably warm fall season.
Within the first few weeks of October, temperatures are expected to stretch above the 50s, according to Faith Fredrickson with the National Weather Service in Gaylord.
She said this could mean a delay in fall color change. Leaves need two key conditions to exchange their traditional green for a brighter alternative: shorter days and colder temps.
“With the warmer temperatures that we're experiencing right now during the day, that can kind of put a damper on fall colors developing extremely rapidly," Fredrickson said. "So if we're experiencing warmer than normal temperatures during the day, and especially if we're experiencing warmer than normal temperatures at night, that would slow the process down.”
In areas that have already seen their peak, Fredrickson said it's possible for color to stick around longer, but the leaves will still be falling as planned.
"The process is going to keep going," she said. "The warmer conditions where those trees haven't really switched over as much yet, that could keep those going a little bit later."
As far as whether or not the season will continue to stray from tradition, Fredrickson said only time will tell.