Weather points toward vibrant fall colors, says UNH researcher

DURHAM, New Hampshire — This could be a vibrant fall foliage season in New England, according to a  University of New Hampshire scientist.

Heidi Asbjornsen from UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture says good foliage years occur when it's mild and wet in the spring, when there's sufficient rain in the summer and, in particular, when there are lots of sunny days and cool nights late in the season.  She says that thus far the weather is following that pattern

"Leaves also have remained relatively healthy this year, due to a lack of widespread pest or pathogen outbreaks, which would ten to support more favorable fall foliage," said Asbjornsen.

She is also monitoring the possible effects that drought may have had on New Hampshire forests for fall foliage.

"There is some evidence from recent studies suggesting that more drought in the autumn can delay peak of redness for some species such as red maple, white oak, while other species may exhibit earlier redness peaks," she explained.

Asbjornsen, who works at the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station, acknowledges that the factors behind fall colors are "complex." Going forward, she said scientists are interested in how climate change may impact foliage.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group