When does it peak?
Estimating the peak is a daunting prospect. The entire season in any given area only lasts about three weeks. Typically, the peak is the first three weeks in October, although there may be splendid colors in late September and even the last week of October. As with any other weather patterns, predicting the foliage is about as
reliable as predicting the weather in January for a June wedding. One day of solid rain will change everything overnight, as will two very cold nights or a few unseasonably warm days... the variables are too numerous to list. For a detailed up-to-the-minute report for the entire state call
(800) 227-6277 or click here for the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's Fall Foliage update page.
How long does it last?
Generally about three weeks. Sometimes you will see a tree that has begun to turn late in the summer. Trees that begin to turn very early are usually diseased or stressed in some way. The most favorable weather conditions for brilliant red colors are warm sunny days followed by cool nights with temperatures below 45 degrees F. Rain and wind will end the show pretty quickly once the colors have changed.
What kind of weather can we expect?
Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night with differentials as great as 50°. If you are going out early, bear in mind that it may warm up to 75° or even 80° at mid-day and, likewise, if you go out during the heat of the day, when the sun goes down, the temperature may plummet amazingly fast and you don't want to be caught out on a hike without warm clothes. Dress in layers and keep extras in the car or your knapsack. Most likely the days will be temperate, about 65° to 75° but the nights will by cool, dropping quickly to 30° or 40°
What is there to do in the area?
There are fairs and festivals and events happening all over the area. Don't forget that most of the museums are open until November. There is always something to do in the beautiful Berkshires!
What makes them change color?
In the summer, hardwood leaves contain green, yellow and orange pigments. It is chlorophyll that gives the leaves their green color and masks the yellow and orange pigments. The shorter days and cooler temperatures of Autumn trigger chemical changes in the trees which break down the green pigment revealing the other colors and resulting in the bright fall foliage. Sunny, cool days and cold, but not freezing, nights are the optimal conditions for the brightest colors. If you want to know more, visit Science Made Simple
What are the optimal viewing conditions?
There is a greater contrast and more depth of color on overcast days and in the early morning and particularly the late afternoon when the sun is low. In bright sunlight, as in mid-day, the colors become "bleached" out.
How can one predict the foliage season?
With such variables as temperature, rainfall and sunlight, no one can truly predict how brilliant the foliage will be in any given year or how long it will last or when it will peak but it's assuredly the subject of endless speculation in these parts.
