Photo by John J Young.

Photo by John J Young.

Update: On March 8, NPS revised its prediction for cherry blossom peak bloom by nearly two weeks, citing the month’s warm temperatures.

Now, it says we’ll see peak bloom from March 18 through 23—starting before the festival even begins.

“Although the National Park Service factored above average March temperatures into the original prediction date, potentially record-setting temperatures, averaging nearly 20 degrees above normal for the next week, have greatly accelerated the bloom watch,” a release from NPS says.

Original: Even though we saw some cherry blossoms this winter, peak bloom will occur from March 31 through April 3 this year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival announced this morning.

That’s earlier than the historical average of April 4 as well as what we’ve seen in recent years, according to Cherry Blossom Watch. Peak bloom happens when at least 70 percent of the trees surrounding the tidal basin are blossoming. Changes in weather could revise the forecast in the coming weeks.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival will occur from March 20 to April 17. Get ready—the annual festival brings more than 1.5 million visitors, according to the Festival. The D.C. Circulator will be running special routes throughout.

It’s been 104 years since the mayor of Tokyo, Japan gifted 3,000 cherry blossom trees to Washington D.C.

The National Parks Service is celebrating its centennial this year, and in honor of its 100 years will hide these creepy cherry blossom statues around D.C. national parks.

Filed Under: cherry blossom, cherry blossom festival, National Parks Service, peal bloom,