PHOTO by L Barnes for Visit Alexandria
Cherry Blossoms
After delaying the Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom dates twice, the National Park Service has settled on April 5 - 8, this Thursday through Sunday, for the trees lining the Washington, D.C. Tidal Basin.
Overall, March was actually colder than February (when the region had multiple days where the temperature reached 60 degrees or warmer), which stunted the growth of the Cherry Blossom buds and pushed peak bloom from March in to April.
Ironically, weather forecasters are predicting more snow for this weekend, which means Cherry Blossom fans may see white snowflakes on the pink blooms. As of Tuesday night, the National Weather Service predicted snow Friday night into Saturday morning, a switch to rain Saturday afternoon, and then more snow Saturday evening. Accumulations are predicted at 3 to 5 inches.
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)."
Already, thousands of people are visiting the D.C. Tidal Basin daily to get a glimpse of the internationally famous trees. If you want to avoid the crowds, click here to see where the Cherry Blossoms are most visible and beautiful in the Alexandria area.
