ALBANY — The first signs of fall foliage are making their appearance across upstate New York, according to I Love NY’s Fall Foliage Report. However, catching a vibrant show of color may be difficult to predict this year due to drought conditions across much of the Northeast.
“The mid-summer drought is likely to be the key weather parameter affecting fall foliage. Areas in southern New England, the Hudson Valley of New York, and parts of central Vermont, have been particularly dry. Such dry conditions, particularly if they extend into the fall, may delay the onset of fall colors,” stated Arthur DeGaetano, director of the Northeast Regional Climate Center. “In addition, trees that have been particularly hard hit by the dry conditions are likely to show only muted colors, with leaves dropping quickly. Thus, in some areas, the reds and yellows of fall might not last as long as normal. In fact, some especially drought-stressed trees have already become to drop their leaves.”
“I think the lack of rain over most of the summer will cause many trees in dryer areas to start to change their leaves early. In some ways, you can spot the trees in dry areas this way,” said Taryn Bauerle, associate professor of plant science at Cornell University. “We have had a fair amount of rainfall in the last two weeks, but I am not sure if it is enough to affect fall foliage. If the rain does continue it could just result in knocking the senescing leaves off the trees earlier. Overall, colors should be very nice this year but maybe a bit patchy.”
Thankfully, regions that avoided the drought will likely have a normal display of colors. According to DeGaetano, “Northern New England largely escaped this summer’s drought so there the return to cooler temperatures are likely to lead to quintessential New England fall colors.”
Looking to plan your fall festivities already? “October should be the optimal time to visit NY, with higher elevation areas having more substantial color then lower elevations,” said Bauerle.
Don’t forget to check I Love NY’s Fall Foliage Report for the latest fall colors.
–Morning Ag Clips
information courtesy Cornell University and I Love NY