Fall foliage colors are matching predictions perfectly so far this year, with peak and near-peak colors hitting northern parts of the state right on schedule.

The latest foliage report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shows peak colors emerging in northern Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Somerset counties.

"It's fall y'all...which means it's officially sweater weather in Maine!” said Gale Ross, who monitors foliage in Maine for the department.

Ross said Maine has experienced a bit of a drought in recent weeks, “which can delay or accelerate fall colors.” Despite this, she said, the entire state remains primed for good viewing. 

“I believe Maine is in the goldilocks position (not too dry, not too wet, without a killing frost) to accelerate the best fall colors in the upcoming weeks," she said.

Northern areas are expected to peak within the next week. Farther south, colors are beginning to show. Peak colors are expected to move throughout the state in October, hitting southern and coastal Maine by the end of October.