Despite challenges, fall color starting to pop across Michiana [Video]

The odds of vibrant fall foliage have certainly been stacked against Michiana this year.

For one, moderate drought at the end of summer and beginning of fall led to early leaf drop on some area trees. 

Additionally, a heat wave during the second half of September forced many trees to stay green longer than usual.

Windy weather over the last week has also taken down a fair number of leaves, too. 

Despite all those challenges, fans of fall color can finally celebrate. Partial fall color has arrived across Michiana.

Our next potential obstacle: a Freeze Warning early Thursday morning. A hard freeze can stunt the color change, and cause further leaf drop in some cases. However, most locations should avoid overnight temperatures in the 20s, the thermometer reading necessary for a hard freeze.

Peak fall color should arrive for the last week of October, with peak foliage coming to a …