Delayed Seasons: An Unusually Warm and Late Fall
A Late Fall on the Front Range: Observations on Weather, Wildlife, and Changing Seasons
This fall has been nothing short of fascinating. It’s mid-November, yet many trees still cling to their leaves—a stark contrast to the typical autumn rhythm here in Loveland, Colorado. Take, for example, the scene captured in this photo near OCR in Loveland. The trees in the foreground are just beginning to turn, while those in the background have already surrendered their leaves, standing bare against the crisp sky.
Some trees haven’t had their leaves change yet. Photo by Steve Eckes
As I write this on November 15, it’s clear that this fall has been unusually delayed. Typically, Loveland experiences its first snowfall with measurable accumulation by mid-October. This year, however, we didn’t see our first snow until November 11. Even then, it melted away by the following morning, leaving little evidence of winter’s slow approach. Around that same date, we experienced the season’s first frost, yet I only had to scrape my car windows for the first time three days ago—a task I normally undertake weeks earlier.
Another telltale sign of a delayed fall was my lawn sprinkler system. I didn’t blow it out until late October, an unusually late date compared to my typical schedule of mid-to-late September. This reflects a broader trend: the average first frost in Loveland usually falls in the latter half of September, depending on the source. Similarly, the first measurable snowfall averages around mid-October. But as anyone living along Colorado’s Front Range can attest, the weather here is anything but predictable.
Nestled close to the mountains, Loveland’s weather is a mix of extremes and surprises. Snow, for instance, can sweep in unexpectedly from the high country. I’ve seen measurable accumulation on the ground while local temperatures remained well above freezing. The mountains bring a dynamic and often whimsical edge to our climate, making fall—and the transition into winter—a season full of surprises.
Wildlife in a Strange Fall
The oddities of this fall haven’t been confined to the weather. Our local wildlife is also behaving unusually. Pelicans that disappeared from our neighborhood pond in September made a surprising reappearance for a few weeks in October before vanishing again. Meanwhile, bald eagles and hawks, usually reliable visitors this time of year, have been sparse in number.
Cooper’s Hawk dinig outside our living room window Photo by Steve Eckes
One notable exception has been the frequent visits from a Cooper’s Hawk. For the past few weeks, this agile predator has been hunting along our street. Several times, I’ve spotted it perched near our home, including a memorable moment when it feasted on a small bird in a pine tree just outside our window. Here’s a photo of the hawk, showcasing its sharp eyes and regal demeanor—a true highlight of this strange, warm fall.
Reflecting on an Unusual Season
Overall, this has been a remarkably pleasant fall—warmer and longer-lasting than usual. The extended warmth has provided ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and observe the season’s subtle shifts. Yet, the delay in winter’s arrival leaves me curious about what lies ahead.
Will winter manifest with the same unpredictability we’ve seen so far? Or will it sweep in suddenly, catching us off guard? Only time will tell. In the meantime, I’ll continue to savor the last lingering moments of this beautiful, uncharacteristic fall.