Foliage brighter than last year in state's southwest

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Those traveling to Southwest Missouri this fall should find much more intense colors than last year, state Department of Natural Resources regional forester Duane Parker said.

"I think we're going to have a good season this year," Parker said of Springfield and surrounding areas. "We had adequate rainfall throughout the summer and early fall, and most of the trees are in reasonably good condition."

Predictions point to a nice display of reds and golds for those living in central, northwestern, east-central or southwestern Missouri. Prospects for parts of the Ozarks in south-central Missouri, however, are considered fair to poor, though that could change with improved weather.

For example, this week's cool nights and warmer days could make for some brilliant foliage.

The ideal weather conditions for brilliant hues are warm, sunny days balanced by cool but not freezing nighttime temperatures.

Still, some parts of Missouri may have duller-than-usual colors due to continuing drought conditions and leaf-eating insects during the growing season.

Foliage in Springfield and surrounding areas should be brighter than last year, when a dry, hot summer left leaves a dull brown.

"I think overall our colors are going to be good, unless we have an extremely early hard freeze," Parker said.

The forest's mosaic prime time in Southwest Missouri is expected between Oct. 15 and 20, Parker said.