2023 Peak Bloom Predictions
- National Park Service: March 22 - 25
- Washington Post: March 19 - 23
- NBC Storm Team 4: March 15 - 20
These are the current predictions, but it's not unusual for them to be revised as we get closer to peak bloom. You can always find the latest information on the 2023 cherry blossom peak bloom page.
The past few days have seen a brief spike up into low 80s temperatures before falling back to earth. Thursday afternoon felt like late spring. This morning feels much more like winter. There has even been a little snow starting later in the morning.
The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin have reached the green buds stage. It's the first of the six development stages the National Park Service tracks leading up to the bloom.
The current forecasts for the coming weeks are for temperatures generally closer to what is typical for this time of year. A couple of warmer days are expected, but overall the general trend is closer to normal. And that will slow the pace somewhat.
The indicator tree is starting to bloom, with many flowers now fully open. It's often about 10 days or so ahead of the others, but that spread will probably be significantly longer this year as cooler temperatures settle in and slow down the other trees.
And the saucer magnolias at the Enid A. Haupt Garden are starting to bloom. You can find more information about that here.
2023 Peak Bloom Forecasts
There haven't been any major peak bloom predictions issued yet, but expect some in the coming days. The National Park Service will be announcing their prediction on March 1. The Washington Post Capital Weather Gang often announces their initial prediction within a few days of that.
How It Looks This Morning
These were all taken this morning.
Indicator Tree
The indicator tree is flowering. It's a single tree that, for whatever reason, consistently blooms ahead of the other Yoshino cherry blossoms.
It's a short walk from the Jefferson Memorial. You can find more information about it here.
Saucer Magnolias
I've posted a more detailed saucer magnolias watch update this morning that includes more photos. But the gist is that the saucer magnolias at the Enid A. Haupt Garden are starting to bloom. They're not in full bloom yet.
The saucer magnolias at the George Mason Memorial are a bit further behind.
Here are some examples. You can find more in the separate saucer magnolias watch update.
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 historic National Mall area. I'm not affiliated with the Trust--just an admirer of their efforts.
