That’s how the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism began its weekly fall foliage email report on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Things are changing quickly as peak foliage closes in on the Olympic Region.

The reports include which areas are beginning to experience color change, which are in transition and which are approaching peak color — with links to a more detailed report for each region.

The report, which runs through Sept. 30, noted a lot of variation in foliage progression, largely driven by elevation differences. The High Peaks and other higher locations that are typically the first to turn colors are predicted to show between 75 and 80% of their fall color this week. The Tri-Lakes communities — Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake — are expected to be between 45 and 60% while the Champlain Valley, which is at a relatively lower elevation, is predicted to be at 30%.

The information is gathered from a cadre of volunteer leaf observers throughout the Adirondacks, who send pictures and report what they are seeing in their neck of the woods to ROOST, which in turn compiles it into the weekly reports and sends it along to I Love New York, which includes it as part of a statewide map.

ROOST notes that while there is a bit of subjectivity to assessing the brilliance, the observers bring years, and even decades, of experience. They are able to draw on their experience to provide an accurate sense of how the colors this season stack up to the historic record. The report notes average, with some areas of dull brilliance this year in Hamilton and Clinton counties, average brilliance in the Tri-Lakes communities and brighter than average brilliance in the High Peaks, southwestern Essex County and the Whiteface Mountain region in north central Essex County.

Those wishing to sign up for the weekly emails can do so online by visiting adirondacksusa.com/foliage-email.

The statewide weekly foliage report, a detailed map charting fall color progress, ideal vantage points and weekly event listings are available by visiting the I Love NY website at iloveny.com/foliage.

A nationwide fall foliage prediction map that takes into account up-to-date weather forecasts and leaf reports is available at smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map.The map breaks down foliage predictions by county. By using a scroll bar below the map, users can see when each county is predicted to near, reach and past peak foliage this year.

Reports are also available by dialing toll-free at 800-225-5697 from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada.

On Wednesday, Sept. 24 I Love NY released an updated foliage forecast.

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Essex County

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– 75% change in Newcomb with shades of red and orange.

– 75% change in the Wilmington area around Whiteface Mountain with bright shades of red, orange, gold and yellow. More than 40% change at Whiteface Mountain with shades of red and orange, plus emerging yellows.

– 60% change in Lake Placid with a vibrant mix of various fall colors, especially bright reds and oranges.

– 30% in Crown Point with muted to average patches of rusty brown leaves, plus occasional golden yellows and splashes of orange.

– 15% in Ticonderoga with muted dark browns and a few trees with reds and oranges.

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Franklin County

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– 50 to 60% change in Mt. Arab and Tupper Lake with with a rosy, golden glow and leaves shifting to muted goldenrod, apricot, russet, marmalade, raspberry and paprika

– 45% in Saranac Lake with a mix of reds, yellows and orange.

– 45% change in Malone with quickly changing red, orange and yellow leaves of varying brilliance.

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Clinton County

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– 25% change in Plattsburgh with yellow and orange leaves.

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Hamilton, Herkimer counties

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– 70% change in Old Forge with shades of orange and gold, along with emerging pops of reds.

– More than 45% change in Long Lake with very bright bursts of orange, red and yellow.

– 80% change in Lake Pleasant with muted to average shades of orange and yellow, plus some reds.

– 80% change and peak conditions expected in Benson with mostly muted fall colors and scattered vibrant touches.

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St. Lawrence County

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– 50 to 80% change in Wanakena with average to bright red, orange and yellow leaves.

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Warren County

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– 25% change in Queensbury with muted yellow and purple leaves.

– Less than 20% change in Lake George with a mix of fall colors.