Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 1, 2023

This morning, the experts at the National Park Service announced their peak bloom prediction for the 2023 bloom. They predict that peak bloom will fall somewhere between March 22 to 25.

The Washington Post‘s Capital Weather Gang announced their prediction yesterday. They predict that peak bloom will fall sometime between March 25 and 29. With colder temperatures settling in through much of March, they expect the pace to slow things down significantly. March 25 to 29 would be an early bloom in terms of the historical average, but not by much. It's close to what's become fairly normal in recent decades.

It's also worth noting that it's quite possible–even normal–for these predictions to change. They're based heavily on weather forecasts looking weeks ahead, and the weather doesn't always pan out quite as expected. You can find more details about what “peak bloom” means in my explainer post.

At the Tidal Basin, it's a beautifully still morning with clear skies. Many of the trees are heading into the second stage: florets visible. It's probably not 70 percent of them yet, but it's more than a few. Temperatures climbing tomorrow into the 60s will help things along.

UPDATE: The National Park Service has since determined that the cherry blossoms had reached the Florets Visible stage, the second of the six stages they track leading into the bloom.

How It Looks at the Tidal Basin This Morning

These were all taken earlier this morning.

Indicator Tree

The indicator tree is still blooming. More flowers are open, but there are still some yet to pop.

Saucer Magnolias at the George Mason Memorial

These are of the saucer magnolias at the George Mason Memorial this morning.