Tue. Dec 10th, 2024
yellow and green leaves on a tree in Syracuse
Leaves changing color in Central New York is coming to an end for the season. © 2024 Shayna Lakin

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The 2024 New York Fall Foliage Reports have come to an end. This week New York is seeing the last of its colorful leaves, which means winter is on the way.

While much of Central New York is past its peak foliage, places like New York City and Long Island may see leaves at the midpoint of change or near the peak colors.

Leaves change color in the fall because of changes in temperature and in the length of daylight. Both of these cause leaves to stop making chlorophyll which is the compound that gives plants their color.

Light, temperature and availability of water all play a role in determining the intensity of the leaf colors present in the fall and how long the fall foliage lasts.

Experts are expecting more of a mild winter for Central New York this year, but the season is still on the way.