INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ State forestry officials say unseasonably warm weather is delaying the arrival of Indiana’s usually vivid spectrum of fall foliage.

Indiana’s best fall colors appear when there are bright, warm days, cool nights and moist soils.

But state Department of Natural Resources urban forester Carries Tauscher says this year’s foliage has been delayed because the unusual warmth has reduced the number of cool nights and moist soils that spur fall colors.

She says that means Indiana may have a shortened window to enjoy the full range of leafy colors, although there should still be plenty of brilliant colors visible in the state’s southern tourist destinations like Nashville, Madison and Medora.

And Tauscher says extended forecasts calling for balmy weather to continue means travelers should enjoy excellent traveling and leaf-watching conditions.