The National Park Service has this morning revised its forecast to April 6-8 due to cooler temperatures. They judge that 70 percent of the trees have reached the puffy white stage as of today, April 4.
On the ground, there's not much new to report--just incremental progress. It was cold overnight--dipping down to the 20s and 30s in the area, with Dulles reporting a low of 22. That's not doing much to help things along.
There are a few more blossoms out, but it's still a very small proportion of the total and you really have to look for them. Some more trees are heading into the puffy white stage. The vast majority of trees have some work to do before we see flowers.
A reader sent a tip that the magnolias in the gardens of the Smithsonian Castle are in bloom and looking beautiful, so head over that way if you get a chance.
Want to Help Support DC's Cherry Trees?
If you'd like to help support the care and upkeep of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin, the Trust for The National Mall has launched an Endow a Cherry Tree Campaign. Donations go to the official Cherry Tree Endowment, which will give the National Park Service additional resources to fund the care, maintenance, and possible replacement of the cherry trees. You can find more information here.
The Trust is dedicated to marshaling private support for maintaining and improving the history National Mall area. I'm not affiliated with the Trust--just an admirer of their efforts.