In the fall, the decrease in daylight and drop in temperatures directly contribute to color change in leaves. The green pigment in leaves is chlorophyll, chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light from the sun, the light reflected makes them appear green. Bright sunlight will cause chlorophyll to decompose. To maintain, sunlight and warm temperatures are required to continuously regenerate the green leaves, which is why in summer they stay green. When daylight hours shorten and it gets colder in the fall, the break down of chlorophyll happens, changing leaves from green to yellow, orange, red or purple. Factors such as temperature, light or water can influence the duration of autumn colors. For example, low temperatures above freezing will intensify the bright red pigments in maples, while an early frost may dull the brilliant reds. Dry and sunny days with cool nights will produce the brightest colors. Rain and cloudy days will make duller colors in the leaves.