They say time flies, but if you are feeling like fall foliage colors in Upstate New York are on fast forward, you’re right. Leaves all over the state are transforming ahead of schedule, some a whole month earlier than usual.
Photographers Capturing Early Changes
Photographers have been posting photos of autumnal hues appearing in their backyards and in New York state parks, well ahead of fall’s official arrival this weekend on Sept. 22.
ILOVENY, the state’s tourism website provides a weekly fall foliage forecast each year. They released their second map of the season on Wednesday, showing most of the state in the “just changing” stage of their fall colors. Some spots, like Wanakena in the Adirondacks, are already past their midway point to peak.
Weather Conditions Accelerating Fall Transformation
Those peak fall foliage prediction maps, based on historical data, could be slightly off this year unless we get a significant amount of — rain. Autumn’s color story depends on green chlorophyll breaking down to reveal those beloved yellow and orange pigments which were hiding underneath all summer long. This stretch of dry weather days is speeding up the degradation process of those green pigments.
Expert Insight on Early Transition
“Because of shortening day lengths, because of cooler night temperatures, but mostly because of the dry conditions we’re having, it’s allowing that chlorophyll to unmask those underlying colors much more quickly,” said Donald J. Leopold, a professor at State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Impact on Leaf Peeping Trips
For those who planned leaf peeping trips to the Adirondacks or the Catskills with historically peak dates in mind, Leopold thinks the colors should still be there — unless this dry stretch continues for longer than anticipated.
Optimistic Forecast for Vibrant Colors
As for how brilliant our fall colors will be this year, Leopold said it comes down to the variation in tree species we have in New York and clear, sunny days. This whole process is at least 50 percent biological and 50 percent meteorological, according to Leopold.
Enjoying the Early Show
Though the trees may be peaking a little earlier this year, Leopold said he’s enjoying the early show. These clear days are perfect for keeping the leaves on the canopy as long as possible. Don’t wait too long however, he warned, because when they’re gone, you’ll have to wait a whole full year to see them again.