Cherry Blossom Alert: Peak Bloom Is Imminent

D.C.'s cherry blossoms appear to be blooming a bit earlier than expected, according to the National Park Service.

Cherry blossoms on the National Mall have advanced to "stage 5," the puffy white phase of their bloom, and the next stop is peak bloom which will come earlier than the April 8-12 dates the NPS had originally predicted.

Right now, 20 percent of the Yoshino cherry blossoms are at their peak. Peak bloom is defined as when 70 percent of them are at their peak.

It's no April Fool! Cherry blossoms have advanced to stage 5 - puffy white. Next stop is peak bloom, expected by the end of the week given the continued mild forecast. Plenty to see now - weeping cherries in full bloom, 20% of Yoshinos at peak. #BloomWatch #CherryBlossomDC pic.twitter.com/hofcwIhR22
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) April 1, 2018

"The most likely time to reach peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April," reads the NPS website. "Extraordinary warm or cool temperatures have resulted in peak bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958)."

The NPS notes that predicting peak bloom is "almost impossible" more than 10 days in advance because weather conditions can have a big effect on the timing.

"The Yoshino trees typically bloom for a period of several days. The length of the blooming period depends on weather conditions," the NPS adds. "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."

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off March 20 and ends April 15.

Image via National Park Service