ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) -Experts are predicting a shorter season to see the colors of fall.

Arthur DeGaetano is a Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell and an expert on climate data . He’s also the director of the Northeast Regional Climate Center.  He says the dry summer will take a toll.

“The mid-summer drought is likely to be the key weather parameter affecting fall foliage,” said DeGaetano. “Areas in southern New England, the Hudson Valley of New York, and parts of central Vermont, have been particularly dry. Such dry conditions, particularly if they extend into the fall, may delay the onset of fall colors. In addition, trees that have been particularly hard hit by the dry conditions are likely to show only muted colors, with leaves dropping quickly. Thus, in some areas, the reds and yellows of fall might not last as long as normal.”

Taryn Bauerle is an Associate Professor of Plant Science at Cornell. Much of her research is geared towards how plants react to water stress. She agrees the drought could potentially change the typical fall season in the area.

“I think the lack of rain over most of the summer will cause many trees in dryer areas to start to change their leaves early,” said Bauerle. “We have had a fair amount of rainfall in the last two weeks, but I am not sure if it is enough to affect fall foliage. If the rain does continue it could just result in knocking the senescing leaves off the trees earlier. Overall, colors should be very nice this year but maybe a bit patchy. Early October should be the optimal time to visit NY, with higher elevation areas having more substantial color than lower elevations.”