October 10 , 2007

The weather through much of September and into October has been strange to say the least. Temperatures across the region have been well above normal and that has had an impact on this year's foliage displays. It appears that there will likely not be a traditional "peak" of foliage color. In many locations, there are trees that have completely changed and lost their leaves and trees that are still full and green. It is likely that the abnormally warm temperatures are to blame for this confusion among the trees. This does not mean that the foliage season is a bust, as there is plenty of great fall color to see. Temperatures have finally moderated and hopefully that will get the trees back on track.

Great fall foliage can be found in much of Maine, northern New Hampshire, central and northeastern Vermont and the mountains in New York. Color change in these areas is mostly high to peak. Some areas however, including extreme northern Maine and the highest elevations in New York's Adirondack Mountains have passed peak. Moderate color (31% - 60% change) is being reported in coastal Maine, much of southern New Hampshire, western Vermont, lower elevations of northern New York, New York's southern tier, the mountains of Pennsylvania, portions of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts and portions of Connecticut. Elsewhere in the region, foliage color remains low (11% - 30% change).

Leaf drop has increased in those areas reporting high to past peak color. These locations are experiencing moderate to high leaf drop. Elsewhere in the region, leaf drop is mostly low.

This information provided by Marek D. Rzonca, The Foliage Network.

Next Report: Saturday, October 13, 2007