No. Cold weather alone does not explain autumn leaf colours. Shorter days help signal seasonal changes in deciduous trees, including a reduction in the green pigment chlorophyll.
The National Park Service explains that as days shorten and chlorophyll breaks down, other chemicals become the main source of leaf colour. NASA-produced educational material published by NOAA likewise identifies shorter daylight as a signal for leaves to stop making chlorophyll.
Weather still matters. It can affect the timing and duration of the display, and drought or an early frost can cause leaves to fall before they develop autumn colours. The useful distinction is between seasonal light cues, changes in pigments and weather that modifies the outcome.
Autumn colour is not simply a response to cold. Shorter days and changing pigments are central, while weather influences the display.
U.S. National Park Service
The National Park Service explains that shortening days bring changes in chlorophyll, allowing other chemicals to become the main source of leaf colour.
Based on: U.S. National Park Service
NASA Space Place team via NOAA NESDIS
The educational article identifies shorter days and less sunlight as signals for leaves to prepare for winter and stop producing chlorophyll.
Based on: NOAA NESDIS
NOAA NESDIS
Weather affects when leaves change and how long their colours last. Drought or early frost can cause leaves to drop before the colour change.
Based on: NOAA NESDIS
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Yes. Antarctica is a polar desert because it receives little precipitation, especially inland. Its thick ice reflects accumulated snowfall, not a wet climate everywhere.
No. Icebergs break away from glaciers or ice shelves. Their glacial ice originates on land, unlike sea ice, which forms when seawater freezes.
No. Some compostable plastics require industrial conditions. Home composting suitability must be specifically identified; the word “compostable” alone is not enough.