WASHINGTON, (GNB): On March 1, The National Park Service predicted this year’s peak bloom period as April 2 – April 5, 2021. The peak bloom date for DC’s cherry blossoms is defined as the day on which 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open. Updates will be posted as the trees progress through their stages of bloom.
On March 22, the cherry trees progressed to florets extended, the third of six stages. The National Park Service holds to their current prediction of when peak bloom period will occur.
Peak Bloom & Blooming Period
When is peak bloom?
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).
How long is peak bloom?
The Yoshino trees typically bloom for a period of several days. The length of the blooming period depends on weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom, and a rainy, windy day can bring an abrupt end to the ephemeral blossoms. A late frost can prevent the trees from blooming at all.
Predicting the bloom.
Forecasting peak bloom is almost impossible more than 10 days in advance. The cherry trees’ blossom development is dependent on weather conditions. National Park Service horticulturists monitor bud development and report the status of the blossoms.
VIEWING THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS THIS SPRING
On March 23, 2021, the National Park Service announced that, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and DC Health and in consultation with the National Park Service Office of Public Health, they will limit all vehicular and pedestrian access to the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park and West Potomac Park during the peak bloom period of the cherry blossoms as a public health precaution to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Read the full announcement here.
Source: National Park Service
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