It's shaping up to be a nice day, warmer than we've had for a long time. The forecast is for it to get up into the 80s some days through the week.
There's been a lot of progress in past 24 hours. Most trees are now starting to bloom. The Tidal Basin is really starting to look beautiful.
Sometime in the next 72 hours or so, the NPS horticulturalists will probably judge that the blossoms have passed the threshold of 70 percent being in bloom, which will mark the "peak bloom" milestone. Based on nothing more scientific than simply looking at where they are this morning and expecting warm weather today, I suspect it might be tomorrow, but we shall see. It also wouldn't shock me if progress during a warm day today lets them make the call this evening.
Regardless of the technicalities, the trees are looking beautiful today and should continue to look at their finest in full bloom for at least the next 4-5 days or so, perhaps longer. If you can head down during the week, do.
By the coming weekend, the flowers will be on their way out, but there's a good chance there will still be lots to look at. It all depends on the effects of a very warm week coming up and some possible storms around Thursday evening into Friday. Last year they were mostly gone within 6 days, but warm weather and a storm helped that along.
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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.
Gloria says
Nice shots!!! Walked over to the tidal basin today @ 1 pm, too many tourist but they are getting ready to pop!!
David says
Yes, plenty of tourists around, for sure.
Madge says
Hi David,
Thanks so much for your updates, I really do appreciate them. I was at the tidal basin before sunrise on Saturday and returned yesterday to take pictures. But I'm planning on return Wednesday to see everything in its glory. Can't wait! And yes, I really love all your photos!
David says
They should look great on Wednesday. Enjoy!
Teo Bergmann says
Hi David,
Your photos are beautiful! Can I buy some of your photos?
David says
Absolutely! Each of the images in the gallery at this link includes a "buy" button with pricing information, etc. All of those were taken in previous years, but now that we're getting into the bloom period this year, I'll be adding some more in coming days.