101 - Meteorology As mentioned in the introduction, temperature plays an important role in the foliage process. In addition to temperature, two other meteorological parameters also have an impact on foliage, precipitation and wind. Temperature Ideally, the best foliage occurs when autumn days are mild and the evenings are cool and crisp, but not below freezing. However, if daytime temperatures are too warm for a relatively long period of time in the fall, the colors may be less intense. The foliage season may also last one to two weeks longer.
Frost tends to inhibit the production of anthocyanin, a pigment producing various shades of red.
This is why having temperatures above freezing is advantageous.