The delayed fall color season may affect tourism and outdoor activities in the Southern Appalachians, as visitors often plan trips around peak foliage. Drought-stressed trees could lead to uneven color displays, with some trees browning and shedding leaves prematurely. However, the recent rainfall and cooler temperatures are expected to mitigate some of the stress caused by the earlier heat and dryness. While individual trees may show signs of stress, the overall forest systems appear resilient, and experts anticipate a good display of fall colors in many areas.