This fall’s color season should be a showy one for Ohio trees, much like 2010 when Ohio enjoyed two distinct shows in September in the city and in the country in late October.

Barring any major wind or rain storms, the state can expect to see woodlands “awash in a rich palette of textures in hues,” according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The summer drought has pushed color changes in neighborhood trees stressed by the dryness, prompting color changes there sooner, said Casey Burdick, the ODNR’s fall color forester based in Lebanon.

So, look for some color changes now around the neighborhood. Check out the ash and maple trees, which are now starting to turn.

The big landscape color changes - or peak - will come in forest and woodland areas by the third week of October, Burdick said.

Burdick said weather in the last week has improved for chances for vibrant colors. Sunnier days and cooler nights have helped, as has some rain.

Breaking down the color show, Burdick said peak fall color in the northern third of Ohio should occur around the second week of October. Central Ohio will see peak fall color around the third week of October while the southern third of Ohio should peak in late October.

For the most spectacular fall color, the weather in September and October should include bright sunny days and cool but not freezing nights, she added.

Leaves turn color as daylight hours grow fewer. In winter, trees must rest and green chlorophyll departs from leaves. As the bright green fades away, gold, yellow, orange and brown hues are revealed, ODNR said.

For ongoing updates during the color season, visit ODNR’s guide to Ohio’s fall color season, with weekly color update at http://fallcolor.ohiodnr.com/