Leaf Peeping: An Epic Year?

Although New Englanders would like visitors to believe that each and every one of our leaf peeping seasons is a sight to behold, some foliage seasons (we quietly admit amongst ourselves) are better than others.

Last year was nothing to write home about. The colors were there (yes, still beautiful), but dominated by muted oranges and yellows. What we all wish for – and what characterizes a “spectacular” foliage season -- is the eye-popping “pow” of the reds.

What magical combination of weather events make this happen?

Colors from 2012

Yankee magazine meteorologist Jim Salge sheds some light on the best conditions for a great foliage season. In his blog post he writes:

“We know that the best years are made possible by a warm, reasonably wet spring, a moderate summer with adequate rainfall and an autumn season that features a dominance of warm, dry days and cool nights, with only occasional rainfall.”

So far, so good. And looking out our windows we can see that the result of this year’s magical weather formula is already turning many trees blazing red.

It may shaking out to be an epic foliage year in New England. Don’t miss it.

If you are in the Monadnock Region in this magical time of year, you may want to stop by Peterborough’s “Peak into Peterborough” at the height of the peeping season on October 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spend the Saturday with your family browsing the town’s unique shops, restaurants and galleries. The town itself will welcome visitors with tent sales, a farmers’ market, hayrides, lives music and more.