New York Citys near-record drought is ruining beloved fall activities and turning Central Park leaves red weeks early

New York Citys month-long drought is turning leaves in Central Park and other green spaces red and orange weeks earlier than usual.

Peak foliage is already arriving in parts of the 843-acre reserve instead of the typical early November when locals flock there for the perfect fall photo.

The Central Park Conservancy websites interactive map shows trees around the Great Hill, North Meadow, Mall, and Hallett Nature Sanctuary are already at peak. 

Other parts of the park are at pre-peak, but dont have long until they hit their reddest and all the parks 18,000 trees shed their leaves.

New York Citys month-long drought is turning leaves in Central Park and other green spaces red and orange weeks earlier than usual

A lot of leaves have already turned red, orange, and yellow and fallen off trees in the park

Peak foliage is already arriving in parts of the 843-acre reserve instead of the typical early November when locals flock there for the perfect fall photo

Weeks of drought, one of the longest on record for the city, are the to blame as warmer days, more sunlight, and cooler nights accelerates foliage coloring.

If no measurable rain falls before the end of Halloween, as is forecast, NYC will go without rain for a full calendar month for the first time.

The drought is forecast to continue even longer as other than a small chance of drizzle overnight after Halloween, there is nothing expected until Election Day.

Temperatures will also continue the trend, ranging between typical autumn 60F and summer-like 80F maximums, with 43F to 61F minimums, over the next week.

Weeks of drought, one of the longest on record for the city, are the to blame as warmer days, more sunlight, and cooler nights accelerates foliage coloring

Bright red hues are already out on many of the trees along The Pond in Central Parks southeast corner

The Central Park Conservancy websites interactive map shows trees around the Great Hill, North Meadow, Mall, and Hallett Nature Sanctuary are already at peak

Halloween is forecast to be the hottest in generations at about 80F, and could break the 1946 record of 81F - and the night wont be much cooler.

Kids will at least have perfect weather for trick-or-treating as very few clouds are expected during the whole day.

The good news for those caught off guard by the early leaf color change is that the peak is expected to last another week or two, with good weather to enjoy it. 

Yellow and orange leaves dominate trees lining the rivers surrounding Manhattan

The good news for those caught off guard by the early leaf color change is that the peak is expected to last another week or two, with good weather to enjoy it