How Will This Year’s Weather Affect The Fall Colors?

The Hudson Valley is experiencing moderate drought conditions just as leaves are beginning to turn. How will the weather affect our biggest tourism season?

Some weather experts have been warning that the Hudson Valley may not see the bright reds and yellows of autumn, thanks to the dry conditions we've experienced throughout most of the summer. A similar warning last year had many local businesses worrying it would affect the Hudson Valley's important tourism season.

Tourists flock to our area each year to check out the leaves and enjoy the spectacular views.. Having leaves just turn brown and drop to the ground without first giving us that spectacular Fall foliage show would not only be disappointing, but could also hurt the local economy.

So we decided to get to the bottom of the science that goes into predicting fall foliage. We invited the Community Horticulture Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Milbrook, Joyce deVries Tomaselli, to come in and explain how weather plays a role in changing the color of leaves. Luckily, it looks like there may still be some hope for Fall colors after all.