New England Q&A Archive

Question 14 - August 11, 1999

A number of my friends (all in Northern California) are planning a trip to New England this fall -- hopefully around the time the leaves change color. I know no one can absolutely predict peak color times, but have there been any reports on how current drought/heat conditions might affect fall foliage? My research shows that under "normal" conditions, peak color usually happens  in early October. Is that correct?

Would appreciate any information, or links to specific information.
Thanks!
- Kris R.

Answer from Kim Knox,
About.com Guide to New England for Visitors:

Hi Kris!

This is an excellent question, and one I should really try to write a feature article about soon. When I received your email, I'd really only heard officially that our pumpkin crop is suffering (about 2/3 normal harvest), but that our grapes were going to rock this year (the hot temps have been akin to the California wine growing regions) unless we get a really heavy rain that causes
them to burst their skins. :-)

Then, yesterday, there was an article in my local paper in Connecticut confirming your suspicions that the drought my affect foliage season. Here is some of what it said:

"Prolonged dry weather has so stressed many of the state's trees that their leaves are turning color early or withering on the branch, raising questions about the brilliance of the fall foliage display this year. Along the state's roadways, atop ridges and anywhere the soil is meager, leaves are falling or fading in color more than a month ahead of time."

"'If [the drought] keeps going, it's going to be pretty serious,' said Glenn D. Dreyer, director of the Connecticut College Arboretum in New London. The effect on the New England fall foliage display is not yet clear, but it appears likely that overall the colors will be somewhat muted in southern New England, where the dry weather has been most severe."

I've also heard from two people in Maine this week that they're already starting to see signs of color up there. Normally, the peak progresses from north to south, with Massachusetts and Connecticut peaking around Columbus Day Weekend, the more northern areas a bit sooner. Nature's tough to predict, but we may see a big shift in those dates this year.

At New England Foliage Central at my site, I'll be updating information throughout the season, and you'll also find links to information on conditions for the New England states, Web cams so that you can actually check out the foliage here in New England, suggested driving tours, and more. I hope this is helpful!

All best wishes,
Kim Knox
About.com Guide to New England for Visitors
http://gonewengland.about.com

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