October 26, 2005

The weather in much of the Northeast has been miserable for most of October. Many locations have set records for October rainfall and there has been very little sunshine in the Northeast. As a result, foliage viewing has been less than ideal. The Foliage Network spotters have noted a relative lack of bright and vibrant colors this year. There is some scientific evidence that suggests bright sunlight is responsible for bright, vibrant colors. Given the lack of sunlight, it seems that this is true.

The strange fall continues with recent snow in northern New York into Vermont and higher elevations in Pennsylvania. This heavy wet snow was responsible for some downed tree branches and also an increase in leaf drop. More recently, much of the Northeast has felt the effects of a one-two punch from Mother Nature, a Nor 'easter enhanced by the fast-moving remnants of Hurricane Wilma. These two systems are bringing yet more rain (and snow to the higher elevations) as well as very windy conditions. All of these are not good for the fall foliage.

The foliage has passed peak in much of central and northern Maine, northern New Hampshire, much of central and eastern Vermont and much of the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York. Peak conditions can be found in coastal Maine, central and southwest New Hampshire, southern and western Vermont, the lower elevations in northern New York, the Southern Tier of New York, northeast and northwest Connecticut, the higher elevations of The Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts, portions of southeast Massachusetts, northern Pennsylvania and the higher elevations in northwest New Jersey. Most other areas are reporting high color (61% - 80% change) with moderate color (31% - 60% change) in eastern Massachusetts (greater Boston and North Shore), the lower Hudson Valley in New York, southeast and southwest Pennsylvania and central and southern New Jersey.

Leaf drop is high to nearly complete in areas where color is at or past peak. Elsewhere in the region, leaf drop is mostly moderate.

Looking for a place to stay? Please visit our Places to Stay and Foliage Spotters sections to find great accommodations!

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

Next report: Saturday, October 29, 2005