Peak foliage reaches parts of western Massachusetts

We're halfway through October and New England's fall colors are putting on a show. While parts of northern New England are moving past peaks, southern New England is approaching its brightest color. 22 News meteorologist Alexa Bianco is live in studio with a look at the foliage across the region. Alexa. Yes, Christina and Sarah, that's right. As peak foliage starts to shift south, some of the best color is getting closer to home, but the timing depends on where you are. As we reach the middle of October, peak fall color is shifting south through New England. parts of northern New England are starting to move past peak while many areas farther south are approaching their brightest colors. Higher elevations typically change first with valleys and coastal areas following later. Most of northern New England is at or past peak already but we're starting to get into our peak here. The Berkshires are at peak right now. We're near peak in especially the northern areas like Franklin County, some of the hill towns. The lower valley still has about another week or so but we're really starting to see those colors pop. But the weather this weekend could mess with the scenery. Gusty winds this weekend could knock more leaves off the trees, especially in areas already at or past peak. If you're hoping to catch the fall colors, you may want to enjoy them before the stronger winds arrive. It's going to be very windy on Saturday, so I actually think a lot of leaves, especially where they are peaking, are going to be falling off the trees pretty fast. So I'd say if you want to see the leaves, look at them soon because a lot of them might be gone by the end of the weekend with all the wind.