PHOTO by L Barnes for Visit Alexandria
Cherry Blossoms
While the snowstorm Wednesday didn't damage the Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms, the National Park Service is now saying that peak bloom will be delayed until sometime between April 8 and April 12 this year.
Overall, March was actually colder than February (when the region had multiple days where the temperature reached 60 degrees or warmer). Cold weather stunts the growth of the Cherry Blossom buds.
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 varies annually depending on weather conditions. The most likely time to reach peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April. Extraordinary warm or cool temperatures have resulted in peak bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958)."
You don't have to go into DC to see these beautiful trees.
Click here to see where the Cherry Blossoms are most visible and beautiful in the Alexandria area.
