In Washington, the cherry blossoms reached their peak bloom on a Sunday in March, marking the second earliest occurrence in over a century. This event underscores the impact of human-induced climate change on these iconic trees.
The National Park Service excitedly announced the peak bloom on social media, highlighting the beautiful display of blossoms that captivated many.
This year’s peak bloom coincided with the year 2000 as the second earliest recorded, only surpassed by the bloom on March 15, 1990. Remarkably, this year’s bloom arrived before the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which is scheduled from March 20 to April 14, and even before the earliest bloom predictions.
The cherry trees reached peak bloom, the final stage in a six-stage bud development cycle, when 70 percent of the trees were flowering. This process took only 15 days, faster than any year in the past two decades, fitting into a recent trend of earlier blooms.
Over the last century, as March temperatures have risen, the average peak bloom date has moved forward by about six days, from April 4 to March 30. The last five years have all seen peak blooms before March 29, with last year’s bloom occurring on March 23, more than a week early.
This March, temperatures averaged more than 9 degrees above normal, making it the second warmest on record. Notably, there have been no freezing temperatures since February 26.
The mild weather attracted thousands to the Tidal Basin, where temperatures reached the mid-60s to low 70s, about 10 to 15 degrees above the norm.
Visitors also came to see the beloved cherry tree known as Stumpy before its removal, part of a multiyear plan to repair deteriorating sea walls. This situation highlighted the effects of climate change, as sea levels rise and floodwaters surrounded Stumpy during its last peak bloom.
On a beautiful day along the basin’s 2.1-mile trail, a bride and groom took wedding photos under a cherry tree in full bloom near the Jefferson Memorial, enjoying the cloudless skies and gentle breeze.
Across from the Jefferson Memorial, a crowd gathered for a gender reveal party, where pink glitter, resembling cherry blossom petals, announced the expected arrival of a baby girl.
The Tidal Basin was bustling with people taking selfies, capturing the beauty of the cherry trees, or enjoying picnics in the shade.
The weather forecast suggests that visitors might be able to enjoy the blossoms for another week or so, as mostly dry conditions are expected. Although some gusty winds could dislodge petals, the winds are predicted to ease.
A shift towards cooler weather is expected to extend the bloom period, as very warm weather typically shortens it. As long as there isn’t a hard freeze, which could damage the petals, the cooler temperatures with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s should help prolong the beauty of the cherry blossoms.