The Spectacular Early Bloom of Washington’s Cherry Blossoms: A Warm Winter Effect
The enchanting scene of over 3,000 Yoshino Cherry trees lining the National Mall in Washington D.C. has reached its most beautiful moment – “peak bloom.” This delightful display burst forth in an early spring showcase after the region experienced a mild winter, as announced by the National Park Service (NPS) on Sunday.
Peak bloom is defined by the NPS when approximately 70% of these cherished trees have blossomed. These flowers typically bloom for several days and may change based on varying weather conditions.
This year, peak bloom marks the second-earliest record in Washington D.C.’s history, following one of its warmest winters on record. In 1990, the cherished trees bloomed as early as March 15th.
Winter has been reported as the fastest-warming season in Washington D.C., with a significant increase of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970. This change has added 13 more warm, above-average days to the coldest season. Winter temperatures even reached a remarkable 80 degrees Fahrenheit by late January – the earliest such occurrence on record.
Such an influx of warm winter days can lead to a quicker-than-usual spring season. An investigation by Climate Central revealed that Washington D.C. has experienced a 20-day extension of its growing season since 1970, ultimately causing the cherries to bloom earlier.
As temperatures continue to rise into spring, the region experiences an average seasonal temperature 2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer since 1970, adding ten more warm, above-average spring days.
Following the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s conclusion on April 14th, the NPS plans to prune and remove nearly 160 cherry trees throughout the city. This project is part of a $113 million, three-year initiative to repair the city’s deteriorating seawalls around the Tidal Basin and along the Potomac River through West Potomac Park. The endeavor is scheduled to begin in late spring and early summer.
