AUGUSTA – Despite a lack of rain and persistent drought conditions statewide, Maine’s foliage season still presented vibrant colors in most locations.

"Maine put on quite a show!” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “While the leaves may be letting go and as Maine bids adieu to another spectacular fall foliage season, there is still plenty of fall left. Who knows, you might even catch a little 'snowliage’ in northern Maine (when a dusting of snow meets the last of the fall foliage).”  

The state’s foliage website indicates most if not all of Maine is now past peak colors for the season. 

Prior to the fall, meteorologists expressed concern due to a lack of rainfall. Even now, the U.S. Drought Monitor this week indicated all of Maine is under some sort of drought condition, anywhere between “moderate” and “extreme.” 

Ross said, however, that the lack of rainfall didn’t put a damper on the season, with vibrant colors reported during peak periods statewide.

Maine typically shows fall colors starting in early September in the northern parts of the state, with peak colors gradually working south. By mid-October, areas of southern Maine are usually at peak colors.