Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Dates Change Again for 2016

PHOTO: Cherry blossom trees ring the Tidal Basin at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. National Park Service photo

____________-

If you were planning on heading to the Tidal Basin to see DC's famed cherry blossoms this weekend, you might want to revise your plans.

The prediction for the beginning of peak bloom this spring has changed and instead of beginning this weekend, it has now been revised to Wednesday, March 23 - Thursday, March 24, according to the National Park Service.

The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70 percent of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, the park service notes. Peak bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions. The DC Metro area could see a few snow flakes Sunday, the first day of spring.

See: Snow on the First Day of Spring 2016?

Extraordinary warm or cool temperatures have resulted in peak bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958), according to the National Park Service.

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.

You can also check on cherry blossom activity via the "Cherry Blossom Cam."