As the fall season nears, yellow and orange leaves already can be seen in parts of the country.

The Maine Office of Tourism says the foliage season officially began on Wednesday. The state Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry released a foliage report that says color change is spotty in the woods so far, with slightly more color in the north.

Most of Maine’s progression to fall colors usually starts around mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak conditions by mid- to late October. Northern Maine usually reaches peak conditions around the end of September.

Maine fall foliage coordinator Gale Ross says the state is experiencing warm days and cool nights, which is what it needs to “set us up for a glorious season.”

The Albuquerque Journal reports National Weather Service meteorologist Kerry Jones says the intensity of the colors of the leaves depends on weather conditions.

Jones says warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights without frost or freeze are most ideal conditions for vivid fall foliage.

Jones says New Mexico had an above-­average wet August, which could result in less vivid colors, but it’s too soon to tell.

As the leaves change color in western North Carolina, green is the big color for most businesses.

October is one of the biggest months for businesses as tourists flock there to view the reds, oranges and yellows of the fall.

Western Carolina University economist Steve Morse told the Asheville Citizen-Times that October is like Black Friday in mountains of western North Carolina.

A recent economic impact study from Tourism Economics found that Buncombe County attracted nearly 11 million visitors last year. Those visitors spent nearly $2 billion.