It's a beautiful spring day out. Warm, sunny, and only a very light breeze. It's the first time the area has been snow and ice-free for a while now.
Mostly, that is. The Tidal Basin is still doggedly clinging to its layer of ice. But the ice is now wafer thin and on its last legs. A few more days of warmer temperatures and the water will finally be clear for paddle boating (which is theoretically scheduled to open for business this weekend).
The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang has today issued their own peak bloom forecast, predicting that peak bloom will fall sometime in the window of April 9 through 13, "centered on April 11." (You can read a detailed explanation of their reasoning here.)
That's in pretty close agreement with the National Park Service's peak bloom forecast issued last week: April 11-14. Both forecasts are for reaching peak bloom significantly after the historical average of April 3-4, thanks to a winter that turned very cold and quite snowy.
Here are some shots of how their looking as of lunchtime today. And, as always, you can find the latest predictions on the peak bloom forecast page.
Latest Updates
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.
Amy says
Thank you for this update! I've also made hotel reservations to come up from Florida to see these trees and enjoy the festival with my boyfriend. We are keeping our fingers crossed hoping to see these lovely pink trees in bloom for Easter Weekend! Please give more updates soon! ♥
Jim dundas says
Is the latest prediction April 12
David Coleman says
The current NPS forecast is for peak bloom to fall sometime during the period April 11-14. More details here.
Eric says
Thanks for the uptades. We will be in DC during the Easter weekend. Just booked our hotel. We will keep our fingers crossed. Please Mother Nature, not too much frost!
JOnathan says
It's been 5 days. Any updates?
David Coleman says
Aiming for a new update post tomorrow. The buds move relatively slowly in these early stages so no dramatic changes in them to see just yet. No changes in the peak bloom forecasts. Latest ones are here.
Len Huyn says
Thanks for the update, I am hoping it will be around Apr 3rd weekend. Please keep updating when that day comes.
David Coleman says
As we get closer I'll be posting updates more frequently.
Jim dundas says
Please send list of places to stay
David Coleman says
Here are some ideas.
Elaine says
Thanks - I'm keeping a close watch as I will be in Washington for Easter weekend - and the main reason we are coming is for the cherry blossoms! Will be crossing my fingers for an early bloom.