AS the days become shorter and the nights longer plant growth slows down considerably. Deciduous trees start to change colour from the green state of summer into the wonderful colours of autumn.

In response to lower temperatures and less daylight the leaves stop producing their green tinted chlorophyll which allows them to capture sunlight and create energy. Their veins close down and the sap ceases to rise. Our woodlands turn into a riot of colour, from yellow to orange, to red and pink. The foliage of these trees and shrubs are then blown to the ground by gusty autumnal winds, creating a mantle of rich colourful leaves on the deck, which in turn provides the woodland trees and under growth with food to carry them through the next growing season.

Next Week: The Autumn Scene Part 2

Glossary: Fog: Water that has condensed close to ground level, producing a cloud of very small droplets which reduces visibility to less than 1km (1,100 yd).

Weather for coming week Monday 26th October-Friday 30th October

High pressure to the south and east, low to the north-west bringing Sub Tropical Air from the south and a continuation of the warmer than average weather.

Monday fine and warm with sunshine, some patchy rain or drizzle Monday Night and early Tuesday. Turning brighter with sunshine and warm temperatures through Tuesday. Wednesday fine and warm, some rain on Wednesday Night. Thursday and Friday Daytime fair warm and humid.

Winds from the south/south-west light to moderate.

Maximum temperature 16-19c 61-66f.
Minimum temperature 13-15c 55-59f.

Last Week's Observations (Monday-Sunday)

Highest day temperature............18.3c on Saturday 24th October.

Lowest night temperature...........6.6c on Monday 19th October.

Wettest day..............................5.0 mm on Tuesday 20th October.