The strongest El Nino ever recorded is anticipated to slow down Ontario’s beautiful fall leaf display, but experts assure us that the vibrant colours will still make an appearance.
Referred to as the “Super El Nino” by scientists, this climate phenomenon is already affecting weather patterns around the globe, causing droughts in some regions while leading to storms and flooding in others.
It’s expected that this event will bring a warmer fall to Ontario and might extend the timeframe for when we see those amazing fall colours.
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Experts believe Ontarians will still enjoy a fantastic display from the trees; they just need to be patient as they wait for the stunning shades of orange, red, and yellow to emerge.
“Cooler nights trigger the significant colour changes, so this might be slightly delayed in some areas because of the warmer El Nino conditions,” said Susan Dudley, a biology professor at Mc Master University in Hamilton. “It could also mean a longer period during which leaves change colour.”
Fall-coloured leaves at Kempenfelt Park in Barrie on Oct. 12, 2024. (Image – Barrie 360)
Last fall saw less vibrant hues due to leaves browning prematurely from limited rainfall and hotter-than-normal summer temperatures, according to Dudley.
However, she noted that trees haven’t been under as much stress this past summer. “Around here anyway, trees are holding onto their leaves better and are just beginning to change colours.”
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Leaves turn green thanks to chlorophyll which helps them absorb light during photosynthesis. As autumn approaches and trees pull nutrients back into their trunks and roots before dropping their leaves, yellow and orange pigments become visible again,” explained Dudley. The process also introduces red and bright purple shades due to anthocyanins that protect plants against UV light.
“The striking red colour we admire is actually a tree’s way of applying sunscreen as it removes chlorophyll molecules along with other resources,” Dudley shared.
Dudley added that stronger colouration typically happens when there’s both ample sunlight and cooler temperatures.
Because El Nino usually leads to warmer days ahead, she mentioned foliage may appear “a bit duller” since trees won’t need as many anthocyanins for protection.
Ontario’s fall colours are especially gorgeous because it hosts various woody plants like maple trees along with plenty of daylight during chilly autumn days,” experts noted.
“It really looks like a painting out there; we don’t see such beauty elsewhere,” remarked David Phillips from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Phillips mentioned that although rainfall levels varied across Ontario this summer, overall precipitation was adequate for tree health despite higher than usual temperatures not being overly extreme either.
This combination creates ideal conditions for healthy trees producing brilliant foliage,” he stated.
Thanks to El Nino’s milder weather pattern this year too-fall enthusiasts will have more chances without feeling cold while enjoying these stunning views,” he added.
“The trees will cooperate beautifully giving us their splendour whether you’re visiting Muskoka or just taking a stroll through your backyard or local park-the bright colours will be everywhere since viewing conditions should be pleasant.”
The changing hues come in phases starting from northern areas then spreading towards Muskoka followed by central Ontario including Greater Toronto Area,” he explained further.
Algonquin Provincial Park has already begun showcasing brilliant colours; its latest report indicates sugar maples along with red maples provide some of season’s best foliage at canopy level.”
Normally peak fall foliage lasts from mid-September until late October across Ontario; however Phillips pointed out it’s been pushed back several weeks due particularly due again -to El Nino effects.”
Remnants originating from hurricanes over Atlantic often bring strong winds clouds heavy rains causing damage leading either leaf loss browning condition Trees face However thankfully El Niño resulted considerable decrease hurricane activity year Phillips indicated
“ All we require now simply bit patience rewarded seeing something always look forward. ”
This report by The Canadian Press was first Sept. 30 , 2026.
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