HAYDEN, Ala. —

Parts of Alabama are experiencing extreme drought conditions right now. The Forestry Commission has put the entire state under a fire danger advisory. The lack of rain is impacting many crops, which could affect our fall and winter holidays — including pumpkins and Christmas trees.

And Alabama isn't alone, as states and regions from New England to the Rocky Mountains, which count on tourism dollars from leaf-peeping season, are seeing leaves change colors earlier, muted colors, and fewer leaves to peep.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 40% of the country was considered to be in a drought in early October, the Associated Press reports.

That's more than twice the average, Brad Rippey, a U.S. Department of Agriculture meteorologist, told the AP.

Rippey, an

See Full Page