Photo by Erin Kelly

Yesterday’s late-season snow storm left many Washingtonians wondering if winter is just going to be forever now.

I’m no meteorologist, but after looking at numerous weather models and reading several forecasts, I can confidently say that no, winter will not be forever. Another indication that spring is in fact on its way? The cherry blossoms will hit peak bloom as predicted, between April 8 and 12. The recent cold snap and snow storm has not delayed the prediction for peak bloom at all, the National Park Service says. In fact, the cherry blossoms are in the first phase of its blooming stages, says Danielle Davis, a spokeswoman with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

“The trees are in [the] green buds phase as of 3/16 – that’s the first of five blooming stages,” Davis tells DCist. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to begin on Thursday and runs through April 13. This year’s festival will feature a parade, singing competition, family days, Japanese art and culture exhibitions, and a performance by former teen pop star/Shaq defeater Aaron Carter.

Last year, peak bloom occurred two weeks after the predicted date, on April 9, and it occurred on March 20 the year before that. While this year’s peak bloom date prediction is later than normal, it’s not expected to come any later. Fear not, D.C., spring is coming.