High winds over the weekend may have slightly altered nature’s fall palette of colors, but area residents have been treated to an unusually vibrant display of gloriously colored foliage this year.

According to local experts, these beautiful hues can be attributed to a combination of just the right temperatures (near, but mostly just above, freezing) at the right time, ample ground moisture and some clear, sparkling sunny days.

The results have been the most spectacular fall color in recent memory. Year after year, many local residents tell of trips to the Northeast or the Colorado mountains to see the fall colors. This year, it would be difficult to top the natural beauty of northeast Kansas.

Mother Nature paints a fantastic landscape.