Fall color is rapidly spreading across the heartland this week as we continue to roll through October. Moderate color can now be found across north Iowa. Mason City, Estherville, Orange City and Decorah are all reporting moderate color conditions ( 50% ). Color is this area is beginning to become abundant even brilliant in a few areas and now that frost has occurred here it should bring even more color out. For the rest of the state roughly south of State Road 3, color has increased enough to be in the ( low ) category. Around Des Moines about 25% of trees are showing color. Maples especially autumn blaze have turned reddish. Sugar Maples are turning orange and Ash are turning yellow. More shrubby species like Sumac and Dogwood along ditches and paths are turning shades of red to burgundy. However even with these plants showing color most mid to late trees are still green and we are not even close to the brightest stage yet. With cooler nights this week even frost chances on Wednesday Night for much of the state I anticipate bright colors to start emerging. We are on target for an estimate peak time along and south of I-80 to be the end of October to early November. To find brilliant color now just head north! Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin are seeing lots of color with many areas currently peaking or expected to with in the week.