D.C. Cherry Blossom 2016: Peak Bloom Dates Moved Up

WASHINGTON, D.C. — We had to wait for a year to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. But we won't have to wait quite so long, after all. The forecast for peak cherry blossom blooms has moved up.

The 2016 cherry blossom peak bloom dates are now March 18 until March 23.

That's a nearly two weeks ahead of what had been predicted just a week ago, and almost a month ahead of the peak in 2015: April 10.

It's an unusually early start, but not unprecedented. The earliest peak bloom on record is March 15, 1990.

"Although the National Park Service factored above average March temperatures into the original prediction date, potentially record-setting temperatures, averaging nearly 20 degrees above normal for the next week, have greatly accelerated the bloom watch," according to a National Park Service release.

The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place this year March 20 – April 17.

The festival includes three weeks and four weekends of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit.

The 2016 Festival commemorates the 104th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan. Click here for the latest updates, and here for a full list of Festival events.

Here's more about the science behind the cherry blossom peak bloom dates, according to the National Park Service:

• The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70 percent 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.
• 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.
• Forecasting peak bloom is almost impossible more than 10 days in advance. The cherry trees' blossom development is dependent on weather conditions, which are inherently variable. National Park Service horticulturists monitor bud development and report the status of the blossoms.

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