Eastern Iowa's Fall Colors Expected Early

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Katie Wiedemann

Story Created: Sep 25, 2012 at 5:23 PM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 25, 2012 at 7:14 PM CDT

DUBUQUE, Iowa - After a hot and dry summer in eastern Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is predicting vibrant fall foliage. They also expect those leaf colors to peak one week earlier than usual.

Tourism directors in the Dubuque area said the leaves normally peak around October 15th, when many people book bus tours to view the fall colors along the Mississippi River bluffs. Those leaves could be past their prime by the time that popular weekend rolls around.

Cruising along the Great River Road in their 1965 Ford Galaxy, is the perfect way for Jay and Mary Yonda to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They say it's also the perfect way to check out the fall scenery. "It's going to be a beautiful thing when it does turn over," Jay Yonda said.

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the scorching summer weather forced some trees to lose leaves early. But the recent cooler temperatures slowed that process down. The D.N.R. said If the weather patterns continue the fall colors could stick around until the end of October.

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