Vermont fall foliage update: Where leaf-peeping may be best in mid-October

Peak fall foliage colors are surging into central and southern Vermont this week and will be accompanied by chilly weather this weekend, observers say.

Some loose, dry leaves around the state might be dislodged Thursday evening by wind gusts of up to 25 mph — “but nothing too crazy,” predicted National Weather Service meteorologist Marlon Verasamy.

Northern Vermont’s spectral splendor was “patchy” but surprisingly potent on Wednesday, said Verasamy, who spent much of the day working in Essex County.

Pockets of peak color along the Canadian border defied the expected north-to-south advance of color, he added.

Elsewhere, leaf-peepers reported spectacular color — sometimes covering entire mountainsides; sometimes adding a grace note to an otherwise overlooked parking lot.

Foliage fans touring southern Vermont should be aware that a flash flood watch is in effect for Bennington and Windham counties through late Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy downpours of up to one inch per hour could result in isolated flooding and hazardous driving conditions, the weather service added.

Elsewhere, warm clothes might be in order. This week's spell of warm weather is giving way to seasonally normal temperatures in the 40s and 50s.

Folks seeking prime locations might consult the state’s official Vermont Fall Foliage Facebook page, where photographers regularly share their work.

Enthusiasts also weigh in via an online forum hosted by Scenes of Vermont magazine.

A user named Snookman2 advised leaf-peeping motorists to head west in the morning and east in the evening, to keep the sun at one’s back.

Karma2x said leaf displays in the Adirondacks knocked his socks off. "Hey Vermont foliage...the ante has been upped...you have some serious competition,” he wrote.

A poster identified as "ctyankee" predicted spectacular color in the southern part of the state this weekend along Vermont 30, with the added attraction of the Townshend Pumpkin Festival on Saturday.

Contact Joel Banner Baird at 802-660-1843 or joelbaird@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @VTgoingUp.