When will the fall leaves be at their best in New England? Farmers’ Almanac offers forecasts
As autumn approaches, residents of New England are eagerly preparing their Apple Cider Doughnuts and Pumpkin Spice Lattes, readying for the stunning fall foliage ahead.
Fall foliage refers to the scientific process where green leaves transform into shades of red, orange, or yellow. This yearly event occurs in various locations across the United States and is often deemed a “picture-perfect” spectacle for both locals and tourists.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, stunning autumn colors will start appearing in New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont around September 24.
New England is famous for its exceptionally vibrant fall foliage. Each year, approximately 10 million visitors flock to the area to admire the autumn scenery. Generally, peak foliage is seen in early October in northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and northwest Maine.
Regions in New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania will have to wait until later in October, as reported by ExploreFall.com.
The Farmers’ Almanac predicts the following states in the Northeast will showcase the most impressive fall colors this year:
- New York
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Maryland
Understanding the color change in leaves
As daylight hours decrease in fall, the production of chlorophyll in leaves diminishes and eventually halts. Chlorophyll is responsible for the green hue of leaves, so when it’s less prevalent, carotenoids emerge, revealing yellow, orange, and brown shades, as noted by the Virginia Department of Forestry.
During this season, bright sunshine and an abundance of plant sugars support the formation of anthocyanins, which provide the red tones in plants.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac mentions that leaves can begin changing color as early as mid-September and continue into early November. “Typically, the peak period falls in the second and third weeks of October, but this can vary based on your location and local weather conditions,” the Almanac states.
Warm, sunny days contribute to vibrant autumn colors, but they must be paired with cooler nights, according to the Weather Channel. Rain can also influence the display; both severe drought and excessive rainfall can hinder the foliage’s brilliance.
Impact of drought on fall colors
The U.S. Forest Service states that a significant summer drought can postpone the onset of fall colors by several weeks. This year, drought conditions were particularly intense in the mid-Atlantic and central Appalachian regions, potentially delaying the arrival of fall colors there, according to meteorologist Paul Pastelok from AccuWeather.
