The National Park Service (NPS) has announced Peak Bloom for the Cherry Blossoms around the Tidal Basin in DC. “It took one more sunrise and warming temperatures, but we’re finally here. Come enjoy the splendid spring spectacle.”
Per the NPS, the blooming of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC has come to symbolize the natural beauty of our nation’s capital city. The famous trees, a gift of Japan in 1912, signal Washington’s beginning of spring with an explosion of life and color that surrounds the Tidal Basin in a sea of pale pink and white blossoms.
The NPS defines the peak bloom date 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.
Earlier this year, the NPS predicted Peak Bloom to be between March 28th-April 1st, so they were right on the money. Additionally, Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, to provide early service for the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile race, with all lines running normal service and additional guidance for accessing the race start and finish locations. More information here.