October 17 , 2007

It finally feels like fall in the Northeast. Temperatures have finally dropped from the 80's to more seasonable readings. In the past few days, there has also been a shot of much needed rain across the region.

Much of the Northeast is showing moderate color (31% - 60% change) or better. Peak color can be found in much of the northern half of Maine, northern New Hampshire, northeast Vermont, central Vermont and northeast New York. The southern half of Maine is showing mostly high color (61% - 80% change) with the exception of coastal locations where moderate color is being reported. The balance of New Hampshire and Vermont are showing a mix of moderate and high color.

In New York, foliage color is mostly moderate with high color in the higher elevations and along the southern tier. The lower Hudson Valley and downstate New York are still reporting low color (11% - 30% change). Massachusetts is reporting moderate color in the western half and low color in the eastern half of the state. Connecticut and Rhode Island are coming in with mostly moderate color.

Pennsylvania is showing moderate to high color in the higher elevations and low color in the lower-lying areas. New Jersey has mostly low color with some moderate color in the higher elevations in the northwest corner of the state.

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. Windy conditions in the past two days should result in a slight increase in leaf drop.

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

Next Report: Wednesday, October 17, 2007