By Joël Onana
The Nps defines the peak bloom date as the day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry trees, one of about a dozen varieties of cherry trees along the National Mall, have blossomed. This year, the peak bloom of the cherry blossoms will likely fall between March 23 and 26, the National Mall NPS said.
“One of #WashingtonDC’s most anticipated events, the gorgeous blossoming trees produce a short-lived scene of splendor,” the NPS tweeted. The projected dates are around a week earlier than the historical average peak bloom date, which National Mall spokesperson Mike Litterst said is about April 3. He noted that this is due to the recent weather conditions.
HOW DC’S CHERRY BLOSSOMS ARE A LIVING VALENTINE FROM JAPAN
“We’re coming off what has been the warmest January on record in Washington,” Litterst said, adding that February is one of the top ten warmest Februaries on record. “So, a much warmer than average winter so far.”
(Environmental Protection Agency / FOX Weather)
He noted that heat is what drives flowering trees to blossom from dormancy. So, it is because of the recent warmth that the peak bloom dates for the cherry blossoms are earlier than average. Blooms on the Yoshino cherry trees usually last for several days, according to the Nps. Much like the peak bloom dates, how long the blooms last depends on the weather.
