DEWITT, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) -- It still feels like summertime outside in Central New York, and that's part of the reason why the leaves are not as vibrant as usual.

Leaves are vibrantly green during the summer because they are making a large amount of chlorophyll, helping the plants make energy from sunlight, according to Dr. Donald Leopold, a professor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

As the fall months roll in, there is less sunlight for chlorophyll production.

"The days are getting shorter. They're supposed to be getting cooler, the chlorophyll starts to degrade, break down, the green disappears, and then it unmasks the yellows or oranges," Leopold said.

But there has also been a lack of rainfall for New York and neighboring states this y

See Full Page