PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) – The outlook for fall foliage seems better this year than last.

Reports from last year described the foliage as a drab, lifeless display, blamed on the prolonged drought that stretched from the spring through the summer.

Lauri Klefos, director of the state Division of Travel and Tourism Department, said the recent rains are responsible for healthy trees.

“Therefore, we expect that the color will be very vibrant this fall, though all that is predicated on the weather we have right now,” she said.

Jason Allard, New Hampshire state climatologist, is just beginning to check the reports.

“The fact that the winter ran a little late won’t affect the fall foliage,” he said.

“It’s more important that we get an average amount of precipitation – that it’s not too dry – and we want some nice sunny days.”

According to the Travel and Tourism Department, leaves in the Seacoast area should peak in mid-October, between the 18th and the 25th. Fall is the state’s second most important tourist season, with visitors expected to spend an estimated $900 million this year, a 4 percent increase from last year. Twenty-five percent of New Hampshire’s visitors come between September and November.

The state’s main attractions this time of year are pumpkin festivals, other local fairs and the foliage, Klefos said. “We are always encouraging people to get off the highways to the back roads and discover what New Hampshire is all about,” she said.

Bill Downey, owner of Portsmouth Kayak Adventures, is hoping for nice foliage to complement the kayaking tours he operates.

“It’s all weather-based,” said Downey. “Once the sun comes out, the ringer just keeps ringing here.”

AP-ES-09-19-03 1627EDT