CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) - East Tennessee State University predicts mountains across Appalachia to be filled with vibrant leaves this fall.

Color changes are expected in the higher elevations as early as September. The highest peaks expected to be on display first are Roan Mountain, Holston Mountain, and Unaka Mountain.

ETSU associate professor and Tennessee state climatologist Andrew Joyner said in a press release that the weather changes are creating ideal conditions.

"The cooler pattern recently has likely been helpful and reduced summer-related stressors. There's no clear sign of a prolonged hot/dry pattern starting again for the next two to three weeks," Joyner said. "That bodes well for a good fall season."

Shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures slow chlorophyll produc

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