Cherry Blossoms at Peak Bloom Early in D.C.

The recent warmth on the East Coast means the "Peak Bloom" for the National Mall has come early (about 5 days ahead of schedule).

Spring is almost here, meaning the trees will bloom, including the famous Cherry Blossom trees around the D.C. area! The National Park Service, responsible for maintaining the trees, calls for the peak bloom between March 23-26th this year.

There are approximately 3,800 cherry trees within the National Mall! There are a few varieties that all bloom white and pink. According to the NPS, "Peak bloom is defined as the period when 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms - the most common variety - are open, creating gorgeous clouds of white and pink flowers hovering around the Tidal Basin."

Peak bloom depends on weather conditions but usually occurs in late March or early April. The earliest bloom on record was March 15, 1990; the latest was April 18, 1958.

The weather forecast this week looks wonderful on Tuesday and Wednesday to enjoy the next couple of days of peak bloom before temperatures cool to the 40s on Thursday and rain chances return on Friday and Saturday.