AUGUSTA – The foliage season is a bit late this year, but it’s definitely coming and is expected to run from Oct. 4 to 17 in western Maine and Androscoggin County, said Jim Crocker of the Department of Conservation.

Columbus Day weekend will likely be peak foliage time, particularly for areas like Mt. Blue, Grafton Notch and the Rangeley lakes, Crocker said.

The colors are late this year because warm summer weather lingered, Crocker said. Within the last few days, however, the nights have turned cold. Cold temperatures prompt the green leaves to turn brilliant reds, yellows and oranges.

The foliage season typically ends in mid-October. Sunny days and cool nights are best for foliage; rain and wind make the leaves fall and can shorten the season.

The foliage display works its way from north to south. While central and southern Maine trees remained green this past week, northern Maine already has been enjoying the colors of fall and is halfway to its foliage peak, Crocker said.

Foliage reports are available on the Internet at www.mainefoliage.com. Updated reports can also be obtained by calling Maine’s foliage hot line: 1-888-MAINE-45.