UW Cherry Blossoms Blooming Now, Despite Cold Weather

SEATTLE, WA - With recent unseasonably cold temperatures, it might not feel like spring. But a sure sign of warmer days to come appeared this weekend: the cherry blossoms at the University of Washington's quad have begun their 2017 blossom.

This year's bloom was delayed due to cold weather, according to the University of Washington. The trees in the university's quad area usually start to come out in late February. In 2016, they were in full bloom by March 11.

And although the trees have mostly bloomed, there still may be a few more days until peak bloom - so you still have time to catch the annual spectacle. UW Arborist Sarah Shores has said that the trees will be in full bloom by April 1.

The cherry blossom trees at UW are over 80 years old, according to the University of Washington, and were a gift from Japan. They were originally located near the Montlake Bridge, but were moved to the quad area in the 1960s.

On Sunday, dozens of visitors were gathered in the quad - despite persistent rain and temperatures in the 40s - admiring the trees and taking selfies. Now that the trees are blooming, you have about three weeks to see them before the flowers fall off.

If you can't make it to UW, the university has set up a live stream of the quad area. You can watch it here.

Images via Patch.com