Spring in Washington DC - Cherry Blossoms are coming!
/The blooming of the Cherry Trees, a rite of Spring in Washington DC, has become one of the biggest events for tourist and travelers to come visit in Washington DC. Each year, an estimated 1.5 million people flock to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which began as a modest affair but has since grown to a three-week-long extravaganza.
Cherry Blossoms on the Tidal Basin
History
The 3,000 cherry blossom trees were a gift from the Toyko, Japan Mayor in 1912 to the city of Washington DC. The cherry blossoms have been blooming in D.C. since they were planted in 1912 as a gift from the Japanese.
Did you know the majority of the cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin are of the Yoshino variety? But another species, the Kwanzan, usually blooms two weeks after the Yoshino trees, giving visitors a second chance to catch the blossoms.
Cherry Blossoms with the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial in the background
What is the Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom?
The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry 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). This year, a very early blooming is expected as the peak is supposed to begin on March 17.
Why is the Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Important?
Cherry blossom blooms only last a little while — which is part of what makes the peak bloom so special. The time from when those first early blooms appear on the trees to when they all begin to fall off the tree is only about two weeks.
When is Washington DC’s Peak Cherry Blossom Bloom this year?
Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang: “We are forecasting peak bloom between March 25 and March 29, centered on the 27th.”
NBC Stormteam4: “Based on comparing past years' peak bloom with similar temperature profiles, Draper predicts peak bloom will be March 18 to March 23.”
What is the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a 3-week festival that commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC, and celebrates the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. It runs from March 20 through April 12, 2020.
The Festival has numerous events to include the Cherry Blossom Parade, a kite festival, and many others. For the full lists of events, go the the National Cherry Blossom Festival website here.