Hello kelson,
Thank you for your quesion.
As a transplanted East Coaster, I often miss the colors of fall and
thought this search would bring back fond memories for me.
I searched fall +foliage +peak +2002 and found a number of sites and
reports.
New Hampshire:
The Lakes Region of New Hampshire
http://www.weirsonline.com/foliage.htm
"New Hampshire's fall foliage display is an incredible show. It's
said that New Hampshire and parts of China are the two places on Earth
where the combination of climate, landscape, and variety of tree's
allows such a magnificent color show. With our frequent foliage
reports and photos, this section of our website will help you track
the progress of this years color in New Hampshire from where ever you
are located."
This site also features webcams to view the foliage.
Following a link to this page -
http://www.weirsonline.com/peak_map.htm shows a New Hampshire map with
Average Peak times as follows:
Great North Woods
Peaks between September 20 and October 1
White Mountains
Peaks between October 1 and 15th
Dartmouth / Lake Sunapee
Peaks between October 3 and 20th
Lakes Region
Peaks between October 9 and 25th
Monadnock
Peaks between October 12 and 28th
Merrimack Valley
Peaks between October 10 and 20th
Seacoast
Peaks between October 18 and 31st
The NCDC - National Climatic Data Center - shows the average
temperature in New Hampshire for this period of 2002 as 44.8 degress
F.
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/cag3/hr_display3.pl
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 44.8 F. This was -1.8 F
cooler than the 1895-2002 average, the 21st coolest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.0 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
3.37 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 0.16 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 44th wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.15 inches per decade. "
************************
Vermont
At Vermont Fall Foliage - http://www.vtweb.com/foliage/peak.shtml I
found:
" The Vermont foliage season runs roughly 3 weeks, the last weekend of
September through the first two weeks of October and that window may
be extended on either end. The Northern end of the state will peak
first, usually around the end of September. This report comes from the
southern end of the state where the peak is roughly about the second
week of October."
Their FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)Page goes on to say:
"When does it peak?
Estimating the peak is a daunting prospect but since the whole season
in any given area only lasts about three weeks and the middle of that
being roughly around the second week of October in this southwestern
part of the state one could pretty comfortably say the peak will be
then, although there may be splendid colors in late September and even
the third week of October. Vermonters are ripe with speculation and
prediction but it's 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 many to list. For a
really detailed up-to-the-minute report for the entire state call
(802) 828-3239.
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°"
Once again, checking NCDC for the average temperature this year for
October peaks, I found the average temperature to be 44.9 F.
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 44.9 F. This was -1.3 F
cooler than the 1895-2002 average, the 33rd coolest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.0 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
3.43 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 0.27 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 42nd wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.09 inches per decade. "
http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/cag3/VT.html
********************
Maine
mainefoliage.com reports:
"Maine's Department of Conservation will release six foliage reports
for 2002, one each Wednesday from September 4 through October 9.
Forest Rangers assess the amount of color change and leaf drop when
they are on assignment in the field. These reports represent the
official word on foliage conditions in the state of Maine and are
provided to the public and media."
You can sign up for an email report from them on foliage changes.
Though Maine has several different zones that peak at slightly
different times, it seems the average for peak in this state occurred
about the second week of October.
http://www.state.me.us/doc/foliage/report/100902.html
"Forest and park rangers are reporting peak conditions northwest of a
line from Bethel, to Dover-Foxcroft, to Houlton (zones 5, 6 and 7).
"The extended foliage season, brought by the mild weather of September
and early October could give us three more weekends of peak foliage
viewing," said state Forester, Tom Doak.
The valleys in the western Maine mountains that rise up to the
Canadian border (zone 5) are magnificent with color, while conditions
in Greenville, Rockwood, Baxter State Park and the Allagash Wilderness
Waterway (zone 5 & 6) are also at peak."
The average temperature during October for Maine was 42.9 degrees F.
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 42.9 F. This was -2.6 F
cooler than the 1895-2002 average, the 16th coolest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is -0.2 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
2.93 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was -0.50 inches
less than the 1895- 2002 average, the 46th driest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.06 inches per decade."
*******************************
Pennsylvania
fallinpa.com - http://www.fallinpa.com/fallinpa/fallFoliageWeeklyReport.jsp
has a foliage page that reports:
"NORTHERN ZONE
(Part of Wayne County and the Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, Potter and
McKean Counties)
Percent of full color: Peaked - 98% of leaves are down.
Estimated peak color: PEAKED - October 12, 2002.
Description: The fall color extended longer than it has for many
years, but it is over now.
CENTRAL ZONE
(Divided from southern zone by a line curving from northeast to
southeast - following the Alleghenies)
Percent of full color: Peaked - 60% of leaves are down.
Estimated peak color: PEAKED - October 12, 2002.
Description: Windy days, freezing rain and ice have combined over the
last week to bring down many colorful leaves in the central region.
However, the lack of below-freezing weather has contributed to an
extended fall color-viewing season not only through the central
region, but also across the state.
SOUTHERN ZONE
(See central zone definition. All lines south of the dividing zone)
Percent of full color: 40% of leaves have fallen.
Estimated peak color:Many bottom land species lost their leaves on
Veteran's Day. The mixed oaks, however, are displaying their late fall
colors. Thus, many vistas of autumn's splendor are still available for
you to enjoy."
Consequently, as a state average the peak was reached the second week
of October.
Temperatures at NCDC report a49.2 average:
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 49.2 F. This was -2.2 F
cooler than the 1895-2002 average, the 25th coolest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is -0.2 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
4.98 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 1.95 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 14th wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.03 inches per decade."
*******************************
Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection at
http://dep.state.ct.us/updates/foliage/foliage.htm reports 2002 as
follows:
"Foliage Information
Foliage season begins in mid-to-late September and extends through
mid-to-late October. Peak color is estimated to be on October 18th
this year, however, depending on the weather, the peak date may be
adjusted a few days earlier or later as the season progresses.
Beginning in mid September, state foresters report the levels of color
spread from across the state. These reports are updated as
information becomes available."
They offer details on recommended destinations for viewing as well, on
this page. Their weekly foliage report canbe found at this page:
http://dep.state.ct.us/updates/foliage/foliagerpt.htm
Their final report of the year is now available for viewing.
NCDC reports October temperatures as follows:
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 49.9 F. This was -1.5 F
cooler than the 1895-2002 average, the 35th coolest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is -0.1 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
4.18 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 0.34 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 37th wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is -0.01 inches per decade."
*******************************
New York
DigitalCity.com for New York reports the peak season as follows:
"Peak foliage season in and around the city usually runs from the last
two weeks of October through the first week of November. "
http://www.digitalcity.com/newyork/fallfoliage/
Round the Bend's Online Travel Guide speaks more to the state of New
York and says "We're very pleased that you're interested in coming to
look at our beautiful fall foliage. Our peak seasons are spread out
over nearly a month, making it that much more convenient for you."
http://www.roundthebend.com/nysfoli.html
The Adirondack Region - Last two weeks Sept through First two weeks
October
Saratoga Region - First three weeks of October
Catskill Region - Last twoo weeks of September through forst two weeks
of October
Hudson Valley - Entire month of October
So, you can see with a state os thi ssize there is a wide range of
peak times.
A map of New York showing peak time sby region can be found at
http://www.empire.state.ny.us/tourism/foliage/
You will see a range from Mid September through early November by
area.
NCDC reports average temperatures for New York as follows:
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 46.8 F. This was -1.8 F
cooler than the 1895-2002 average, the 25th coolest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.0 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
4.34 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 1.08 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 21st wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.02 inches per decade."
Of course, there will be a wide range of temperatures in different
regions of this state.
*******************************
New Jersey
A NorthWestern New Jersey site at
http://www.njskylands.com/odfoliage.htm reports their foliage season
here:
"The annual fall foliage bloom is dependent primarily on moisture and
the first frost, but peak leaf viewing in Northwest New Jersey
normally occurs somewhere around the first full week of October. The
quality of a year's peak varies for several reasons. Some years,
because of dry weather, the swamp maples, ash and other shallow rooted
trees turn early in spite of warm temperatures. They are already
fading when the deep-rooted, dominant hickories and oaks begin to
develop warm, rustic hues as a result of a frost several weeks later.
Sometimes the change spreads out over a month, and we miss those
special few days when everything happens at once..."
The Foliage Network at
http://www.foliagenetwork.com/reports/northeast_us/index.html shows
New Jersey at peak foliage now.
"This is the final report for the 2002 season. The only remaining peak
conditions can be found in southern New Jersey, southeastern
Pennsylvania and on Long Island in New York. The rest of the region
has past peak.
The 2002 season could be summed up with one word, strange. The season
lasted longer than normal and even in early November, there were some
trees which were completely green and full of leaves. Another strange
characteristic of this season was the lack of "peak" because of this
mix of completely changed trees and completely green trees. All
tolled, this was not one of the better foliage seasons for
leaf-peeping."
Other site report the New Jersey peaks ranging from mid October
through mid November. The link to the foliage report server at the
official New Jersy site - Visit New Jersey -
http://www.state.nj.us/travel/ - was unfortunately down right now.
NCDC reports New Jersey temperatures for October and November as
follows:
October:
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 55.1 F. This was 0.5 F
warmer than the 1895-2002 average, the 51st warmest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.0 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
6.42 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 3.00 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 9th wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is -0.05 inches per decade."
November: (2001) 2002 Not yet Reported
49.1 degrees F
*******************************
Delaware
The Foliage Network reports the current foliage in Delaware, West
Virginia and Virginia currently as follows:
"The recent coastal storm has, for the most part, brought the 2002
foliage season to an end in the region. The only areas where you still
might find some color include extreme southeast Virgnia and
southeastern Maryland."
Leaf Looker's at http://www.leaf-lookers-guide.net/ shows the Delaware
peak in late September, though a link from about.com at
http://camping.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://ncnatural.com/fall%2Dcolor/
indicates October.
USA Today shows Delaware at late October through early November. The
Delawre page at http://www.state.de.us/tourism/intro.htm was
unfortunately down.
I called the Delaware Tourism Bureau at Delaware, 1-800-441-8846 and
was told peak is normally the third week of October and they are now
past peak.
NCDC shows Delaware temparatures as:
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 57.2 F. This was 0.2 F
warmer than the 1895-2002 average, the 57th warmest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.0 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
7.07 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 3.88 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 2nd wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.00 inches per decade."
*******************************
West Virginia
Leaf Looker's at http://www.leaf-lookers-guide.net/ shows the West
Virginia peak in late September.
"Every autumn, the entire state of West Virginia is an evolving
symphony of changing colors. The dual spines running up its eastern
border with Virginia, the Appalachian and Allegheny Mountains, start
the symphony with a resounding blast of yellows and reds while
September is still young. The bobbing tops of the dozens and dozens of
smaller mountains, completely covering the state, soon follow suit.
Any where you go you will see autumn colors; West Virginia is a leaf
lookers' paradise..."
http://www.leaf-lookers-guide.net/wv_leaf-lookers-guide.htm
The WV DIVISION OF FORESTRY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT at
http://camping.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://ncnatural.com/fall%2Dcolor/
shows their season as still peaking as late as October 31.
I also called West Viginia's Tourism Bureau at West Virginia,
1-800-225-5982 to find their claim that peak varies by section of the
state, but generally the first two weeks of October this year.
NCDC reports temperatures as:
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 53.9 F. This was 0.4 F
warmer than the 1895-2002 average, the 52nd warmest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is -0.1 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
5.62 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 2.74 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 7th wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.02 inches per decade"
*******************************
Virginia
Virginia.org - www.virginia.org shows this year's foliage as a wide
range of peak times:
"Fall's brilliant colors delight the visitor from early September
through November."
http://www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=123
A number of tours and foliage resources are listed on this page:
http://www.virginia.org/site/content.asp?MGrp=1&MCat=1&MItm=19&Rgn=10000
Leaf Looker's at http://www.leaf-lookers-guide.net/ shows the Virginia
peak in early October.
"Virginia's western mountains are known world-wide for their blazing
autumn performance. Starting in September, the dogwoods, black gums
and sumac start the symphony of color with their reds while the
sassafras join with their oranges. The poplars and hickories brighten
things up with their brilliant yellows and the maple trees add their
golds and reds. As the season progresses towards winter the color
moves south with the birds until the colors finally disappear in South
Carolina and Georgia."
http://www.leaf-lookers-guide.net/va_leaf-lookers-guide.htm
A map of Virginia's fall foliage peaks at
http://camping.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://ncnatural.com/fall%2Dcolor/
shows three zones peaking between October 10 and October 31.
NCDC shows October temperatures for Virginia as:
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 57.3 F. This was 0.8 F
warmer than the 1895-2002 average, the 45th warmest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is -0.1 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
5.55 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 2.47 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 14th wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.04 inches per decade."
*******************************
North Carolina
An article at VistNC.com on this year's foliage reports:
"Experts agree that recent dry conditions across the state will affect
this year’s fall color, leading to beautifully-colored fall foliage
with some areas experiencing exceptional brilliance.
Weather conditions in the spring and summer months are what experts
use to predict the fall color season. Just like the weather, fall
color predictions are not an exact science. But experts like Dr. Dan
Pittillo, a specialist in Appalachian plant ecology, says the drought
can help create beautiful fall color. "It has been my observation that
when droughts occur in the early part of the growing season, brilliant
fall foliage color follows in late September to mid-October," he
said."
http://www.visitnc.com/feature_detail.asp?ArticleID=394
A page on Asheville North Carolina at
http://www.exploreasheville.com/fcolor.htm describes their color peaks
as:
"Western North Carolina is home to the highest mountains east of the
Mississippi River, including Mt. Mitchell at 6,684 feet and
Grandfather Mountain at 5,949 feet. Because of the differences in
elevation in the mountains near Asheville, the color "peak" changes
week to week. Brilliant color begins to appear at the higher
elevations as early as late September, along with a profusion of
wildflowers. The autumn hues intensify and creep down the mountain
slopes throughout October and some coves and gorges will continue to
show off their fall finery through early November."
The average for peak color in this state is the month of October. NCDC
reports October weather and tempeartures for North Carolina as:
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 61.9 F. This was 1.8 F
warmer than the 1895-2002 average, the 30th warmest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is -0.1 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
5.10 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 1.84 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 16th wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.05 inches per decade."
*******************************
South Carolina.
Carolina Now at http://www.carolinanow.com/autumn/ describes their
foliage:
"Leaf-Lookers! Folks flock to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to
drink in the multi-hued blaze of the hardwoods. Those of you who have
been there before probably have some favorite routes - and a favorite
place to stay. While most everyone knows about the Western North
Carolina sights, many folks do not realize that there are some
spectacular views in Upstate South Carolina, too. Perhaps, in our
Leaf-Lookers-Guide, you may find a new route to drive and view this
annual scenario from a different aspect. And those of you who haven't
visited these mountains in the Autumn can get a jump start: know what
to do, where to go and where to stay."
A link on this page to Leaf Looker's at
http://www.leaf-lookers-guide.net/ shows the South Carolina peak in
early October, yet USA Today shows early November.
Calling the South Carolina Tourism Bureau at 1-800-849-4766, I was
told that their peaks this year occurred very late at the first week
of November.
NCDC shows October temperatures for South Carolina as"
"The average temperature in October 2002 was 66.0 F. This was 2.6 F
warmer than the 1895-2002 average, the 17th warmest October in 108
years. The temperature trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is -0.1 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
4.78 inches of precipitation fell in October. This was 1.78 inches
more than the 1895- 2002 average, the 18th wettest such month on
record. The precipitation trend for the period of record (1895 to
present) is 0.08 inches per decade."
Current weather conditions in Columbia Owens, South Carolina, for
example still show 65 degrees.
*******************************
Other interesting foliage sites:
YankeeFoliage.com http://www.yankeemagazine.com/travel/inseason/foliage/index.php
Vermont Explorer
http://www.travel-vermont.com/seasons/report.asp
Forest Service Fall Color Report
http://www.fs.fed.us/news/fallcolors/
The Foliage Network
http://www.foliagenetwork.com
New England for Visitors
"How to See New England Fall Foliage at its Peak"
http://gonewengland.about.com/library/howto/htpeakfoliage.htm
USA Today
Make plans for peak viewing
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/vacations/destinations/2002/2002-09-13-fall-foliage-chart.htm
The Eastern Region Fall Color Report from the Us Forest Service
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/fall-color/fall_color_report.htm
A number of great links are also to be found here:
http://www.fs.fed.us/news/fallcolors/
I trust this answer has provided the information you desired. Should
anything above be unclear of a link broken, please ask for
clarification.
Regards,
-=clouseau=- |
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