Leaves falling, berries ripe, but it's hot. Is autumn coming early?

The article explores the signs of an early autumn in the UK, despite the ongoing heatwave. While leaves are falling and berries are ripening, the unusually high temperatures have led to questions about the timing of the seasonal transition. The article notes that the early appearance of autumn indicators, such as changing foliage and fruit, is not necessarily a cause for concern. Experts suggest that these natural phenomena are driven by various factors, including light and temperature, and can vary from year to year. The article also highlights the potential impact of climate change on seasonal patterns, which may be contributing to the observed changes. However, it emphasizes that a single early autumn does not necessarily indicate a long-term trend and that more comprehensive data is needed to draw definitive conclusions. Overall, the article presents a balanced perspective on the early signs of autumn, acknowledging the potential influences while cautioning against making sweeping assumptions based on a single observation.