The National Park Service is predicting that "peak bloom" for the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms will start April 1, a few days earlier than last year. Earlier this month, the National Park Service predicted a peak bloom between April 3 and April 6, 2019.
The National Park Service notes on their website: "The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) blossoms are open."
Peak bloom dates move every year depending on the weather -- temperature, rainfall (or snowfall), humidity and other factors play a role. The earliest peak bloom was March 15, 1990 and the latest was April 18, 1958.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is March 20 through April 14 this year, and it includes the Pink Tie Party fundraiser, the Blossom Kite Festival and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.
The Potomac Riverboat Co. here in Alexandria offers cherry blossom monument tours as well as transportation to the District's events. Pedego will be offering electric bike tours of the cherry blossoms, as well.
Did you know the Mount Vernon neighborhood has a strong recent history of representing Virginia at the National Cherry Blossom Festival? Read more:
