Vermont color best in years as New England peaks; go Saturday
Fall color is at or near peak across northern New England, and Vermont forecasters call it the best display in years. Saturday looks sunny and calm, making it the top day for leaf-peeping over the holiday weekend. Rain linked to the remains of Hurricane Isaias is expected to arrive later Sunday.
If you have been waiting to see the leaves, this weekend may be your best shot.
Peak color now covers the higher parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, and it is spreading south. "The foliage is the best it's been in years," VTDigger said in its weekly report with Henry's Weather Channel, pointing to good soil moisture and ideal temperatures.
In New Hampshire, the Great North Woods is at 75 to 100 percent color change, with peak around Dixville Notch, The Boston Globe reported. The Globe pointed leaf-peepers to the Kancamagus Highway and Crawford Notch, Stowe and Smugglers' Notch, the Northeast Kingdom and western Maine around Rangeley and Grafton Notch.
Southern New England is not there yet. The Berkshires and northern Worcester County are starting to turn, but most of the region is still short of peak, the Globe said. WBUR reported bright patches popping up across central and southern New England.
Vermont should have about one more week of strong color outside the highest elevations before leaves start to fade, VTDigger said.
The weather favors Saturday. Highs will be in the upper 50s to low 60s across Vermont with plenty of sun and calm winds, VTDigger said. WBUR called Saturday "the uncontested pick of the weekend" around Boston, with highs in the mid-60s.
Sunday is less certain. Moisture from the remains of Hurricane Isaias, which is headed for the Gulf Coast, is expected to sweep into the Northeast. Rain should continue into Monday morning before tapering off, with up to half an inch across Vermont and the most in the south, VTDigger reported. WBUR said Monday will likely start with clouds, showers and patchy fog.
For the best trip, go Saturday, head north and aim for higher ground.
What we know: Northern New England is at peak, and Saturday looks dry and sunny.
What we don't: Exactly when Isaias's leftover rain will arrive on Sunday.
Where outlets agree VTDigger and WBUR both report that Saturday is the best day of the holiday weekend, with sun and light winds.
Where they differ VTDigger says Sunday rain should hold off until early evening, while WBUR says showers and downpours could ramp up through Sunday afternoon.