Fall colors emerge, but might not be very vibrant

Leaves across the Miami Valley are quickly starting to show their true fall colors.

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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources fall color report shows Montgomery County's Sycamore State Park is showing peak fall color.  Other places such as Indian Lake, John Bryan and Caesar Creek state parks are getting close to peak colors.

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You might notice that fall colors this year aren't as bright as they appeared in years past. That is likely a result of our unusually warm weather. Typically we need sunny skies and cool nights that stay above freezing to really get vibrant colors.

RELATED: #SkyWitness7

So far, from September through October 10th, there have only been nine nights that fell into the 40s. Temperatures have also been warmer than normal during the day throughout the entire month of October.

The lack of cool nights and abundance of warmth might hinder just how bright the reds, oranges and yellows end up this year. Remember that the main driver for color change is the shortening of days so the next week or two you will see the green leaves change over even if the colors aren't as bright.

Don't forget to share pictures using the hashtag #SkyWitness7!

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