A combination of warm temperatures and light winds have slowed the photosynthesis process, and many trees are still in the process of their color transition.

Leaves change color in the fall when they struggle to produce chlorophyll due to changes in the length of daylight and changes in temperature. The leaves stop their food-making process causing the chlorophyll to break down and the green color to disappear. The yellow to orange colors become visible setting the stage for magnificent scenery in the Alpena area.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Tim Locker said temperatures in Northeast Michigan have remained above average for some time.

Beginning next weekend, however, more typical autumn weather is expected, which should bode well for photosynthesis to ramp-up.

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz The vibrant colors of fall are slowly reaching their peak in the Alpena area, as is evident at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Alpena. People still have time to enjoy the leaves, as the area has yet to reach its peak because of the warm temperatures the area has enjoyed.

“For this coming workweek we will be in the high-60s and even 70s in and around Alpena. It will be pretty dry with really no soaking rain, although there is a chance for a random thunderstorm,” he said. “Come next weekend, things should return to more normal fall temperatures.”

People can pretty much drive anywhere near the forests in Northeast Michigan and see the colorful trees, but those who want to take a stroll through the woods can hike the trails in Rockport Harbor State Park or the Chippewa Hills trails.

Once the weather cools and the length of sunlight shortens more, it’s only a matter of time before all the leaves are off the trees, and rakes become popular as people clear the fallen leaves from the yards.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures could reach 75 degrees or higher in Alpena today, but will slowly dip to the mid-50s by early next week.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.

News Photos by Steve Schulwitz The vibrant colors of fall are slowly reaching their peak in the Alpena area, as is evident at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Alpena. People still have time to enjoy the leaves, as the area has yet to reach its peak because of the warm temperatures the area has enjoyed.