September 3, 2005

September has arrived, the summer is coming to an end, both marking the beginning of the foliage season. The Foliage Network is back for its seventh year of providing the very best foliage information available. Every Wednesday and Saturday, a new foliage report will be published to help you track the foliage and plan your leaf-peeping excursions.

Throughout the Upper Midwest U.S., May featured below average temperatures and precipitation. However, that quickly changed as summer began. The summer of 2005 was very warm with some areas experiencing average temperatures in excess of 5° C above normal. That may not seem like much, but from a climatological standpoint, it is quite significant. Precipitation varied across the region with some areas reporting a surplus and others a deficit. Most of the deficits were found in Ohio (statewide), Wisconsin (statewide) and Michigan (Upper Peninsula).

At this very early stage in the foliage season, very little color is being reported. Every year, very young trees and trees in distress show early color, this year being no exception. How will this year's foliage season be? Only time will tell. The fall-time weather always plays a role in the timing of the color change and the duration of the foliage season. This summer's weather has been favorable in most areas, a good first step toward a great, colorful autumn. Going forward, look for mild, sunny days followed by cool, crisp (not freezing) nights. That, coupled with normal, or below normal rainfall should lead to a colorful and long lasting foliage season. Watch for The Foliage Network reports throughout the fall to keep up to date with the latest foliage conditions.

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

Next report: Wednesday, September 7, 2005