NEEDHAM, Mass. —

New England is famous for its phenomenal fall foliage, thanks to the ideal conditions for producing vibrant red, yellow and orange leaves.

Visitors flock to our region from all over to enjoy Mother Nature's seasonal transition, which is ahead of schedule this year .

The timeline for peak colors usually starts in northern New England at the end of September, and we see a wave of color then tracking southward through southern New England.

But why do leaves change color in the first place? In the video above, A.J. Burnett explains the science of fall colors.

How is this year's foliage shaping up?

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