2023 fall foliage forecast: New England to experience beautiful season with long-lasting colors

Frank O'Laughlin
·2 min read

When it comes to leaf peeping, those who live in New England are in for an absolute treat, according to a longtime foliage expert.

Jim Salge, of Yankee magazine, published his much-anticipated fall foliage forecast for 2023, which offers predictions for New England, as well as the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Upper Midwest, Mountain West, and Pacific Northwest regions.

“For New England, Salge expects beautiful pastel colors to develop early across the region in the red maple wetlands, with peak color likely arriving on time or slightly later than historical averages and lasting longer than usual,” the publication stated.

Salge, a former meteorologist at New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Observatory, says this year’s forecast is largely affected by last summer’s drought combined with three significant weather high-impact days in 2023:

  • Feb. 4, 2023 -- An arctic wind pushed New England temperatures to record lows

  • May 18, 2023 -- A late blast of cold, dry air put much of the region into a deep freeze

  • July 10, 2023 -- Heavy rains brought historic flooding to Vermont and other parts of New England

Because the weather since July has continued to be wet and humid, conditions remain prime for amazing fall foliage, according to Salge.

Salge’s forecast for New England, in summary: “Look for a patchwork of fall colors to develop early across the region, especially with the swamp maples. Peak color should arrive on time or late compared to historical averages, with leaves that are more pastel than flaming red, but no less beautiful. Color will be long-lasting, then fade and fall slowly.”

Salge noted that the best 2023 New England fall foliage areas are likely to be northern Maine, as well as Down East and toward Acadia, and southern New England could have a good year as well.

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