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How Does The Weather Effect Fall Colors In Massachusetts.

admin — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The brilliance of fall leaves depend greatly on weather conditions that occur before and during the time chlorophyll begins to dwindle within the leaves. Temperature and moisture are the two most significant factors in leaf change color over the course of fall but the shortening of days also triggers this natural effect. When you have warm, sunny and cool, crisp nights without freezing the season will bring the most spectacular color displays.

The cool nights and warm days coax sugars, produced in the leaves, to move through the veins of the leaf. Cold weather however closes these veins, preventing the sugars from moving. The movement of the sugar and lots of light increases production of anthocyanin pigments which tints the leaves reds and purples.

The amount of moisture in the soil also effects the color produced by leaves in the fall. Soil moisture varies greatly from year to year and all of these factors make for no two autumn seasons being alike. If Massachusetts has a warm, wet spring, fantastic summer weather and a warm fall, the leaf color will be more brilliant then a late spring, hot, wet summer and cold fall. Too many factors play into leaf color.

Will This Winter Come Early To Massachusetts.

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

As many people are enjoying the beautiful summer weather here the thought that lingers in everyone’s mind is will this winter come early to Massachusetts? For the last 4 years the trend for winter weather and how soon it begins has been dictated by the type of weather during the spring and summer months. While trying to predict the upcoming winter season by the patterns of the summer weather isn’t an exact science there are some instances that cannot be ignored.
For the past few winter seasons it seems that Massachusetts has been having a longer, cooler than normal spring and a warmer dry summer season which has led to significant amounts of snowfall yet higher than average temperatures. For the many people that have lived in Massachusetts all their lives the changes in the weather patterns are beginning to behave more like those they remember in their childhoods. Wet springs, hot summers, cool autumns and big snow during the winter months combined with freezing temperatures in January and February are the epitome of New England weather.
The question still remains, will winter come early to Massachusetts? The answer is more difficult to come by, as they say in this region of the U.S. “if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute”.

What Are The Risks Of Flooding In Massachusetts.

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The risk of flooding in the state of Massachusetts has seen an increase over the past 10 years. This is believed to be due to a rise in the water table and increase in soil moisture that has resulted from rising temperatures in recent years and unusual timing of rain and snowfall in the New England region.

There are other constantly changing variables that can affect the flood risk for the state. Those are streamflow, water levels in lakes and the timing of peak high and low flows.

Studies have shown increases in precipitation, ground water levels and streamflow over the last 10 years. These could all affect future flooding and increase such risk.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, floods are one of the most commonly occurring hazards or natural disasters in the United States. Flooding can happen slowly over a period of time or it can occur quickly and without warning as in a flash flood event. If a dam breaks or a levee is breached, surrounding residents may have little warning and time to evacuate.

Currently, according to the National Weather Service, as of early July 2011, the state of Massachusetts is at normal water levels with no flood risk.

How Does The Weather Effect Maple Syrup Production.

admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Weather can effect maple syrup production in several different ways; it can shorten the tapping season and can effect how much syrup the trees produce over all. Good freezing nights and thawing days make for a better season. However, if trees are already being tapped and the weather suddenly turns incredibly cold, the tapping can become more difficult as the syrup will not rise from the roots of the tree.

A shorter production season can also make things difficult. If it stays colder for longer then normal the sap will stay in the roots and not rise into the tree, shortening the season for tapping. Freezing nights and warm days are needed to induce sap flow, but it can be a double edged sword. If it stays cold too long tappers cannot make it into the woods to check on their trees nor can they easily tap. If it becomes to warm too quickly, it can also cause less syrup production as the syrup will rise through the res of the tree. For maple syrup production, perfect temperatures are the best to get a highly consistent, easily tapped and high yield maple tree with the most maple syrup production available.