Experts: potential for great fall foliage in Carolinas

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Experts in leaf-looking in North and South Carolina say conditions are ripe for a great fall foliage season in both states.

Forest ecologist Donald Hagan from Clemson University says a bit of drought over the summer might help condense the color season and make it more intense.

Western Carolina University professor Kathy Mathews says the unusually dry weather could lead to one of the best color seasons in recent memory.

Mathews says sugar concentrations in the leaves increase under those conditions and allow the colors to pop.

Hagan says it’s a little too early to predict exactly when the height of the season will come and the next few weeks are key. He says a few cold fronts and bright sunny days will top off the recipe for good viewing.