Fall Is Officially Here! When Will Kentucky’s Leaves Change — and When Will Cold Weather Arrive?

Fall has officially begun, bringing cool air and the promise of peak autumn colors. In Kentucky, the brightest foliage should arrive in late October and early November, followed by winter’s chill.

When Did Fall Start in 2025?

The autumn season officially began Monday, Sept. 22, with the autumnal equinox, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

What Is the Autumnal Equinox?

The equinox happens twice a year when Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, producing nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness, the National Weather Service explains. The spring counterpart is the vernal equinox. Both equinoxes occur midway between the winter and summer solstices, when Earth’s tilt is at its maximum.

When Will Kentucky’s Leaves Change?

Peak fall color across the state is expected in late October and early November, according to previous reports from The Courier Journal.

What Kind of Winter Is Predicted for 2025-2026?

The Farmers’ Almanac forecasts “dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather” across much of the U.S. For Kentucky, it calls for a chilly, snowy season — possibly a true “winter wonderland.” Chilly, breezy conditions are expected around the December holidays, with significant cold snaps likely in mid-January and mid-February.

Editor Sandi Duncan told USA TODAY that much of the country could experience an “old-fashioned winter,” with repeated cycles of cold, snow, brief warming and more cold. Northern areas may even see winter temperatures arrive early.

Kentucky’s Recent Severe Weather

The commonwealth began 2025 with more than 10 inches of snow over two days. Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport set a new one-day snowfall record with 7 inches on Jan. 5. This severe winter was followed by deadly floods and tornadoes, including record flooding of the Ohio River in April.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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