photo by Jeanette.Cook
Ed. Note: On behalf of humanity – don’t drive down!! Trust me.
The National Park Service makes the call this morning:
“PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM!
It’s official! The cherry blossoms are opening & putting on a splendid spring spectacle. See you soon.
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸!”
Peak bloom was initially predicted to arrive between March 29 – April 1 so it’s come a bit. That 80 degree definitely sped things up.
More from NPS:
“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.”