Washington D.C.'s iconic cherry blossoms are tantalizingly close to peak bloom, having reached the highly anticipated "puffy white" stage (stage five) on Friday, March 15th. This exciting development marks the last step before the breathtaking spectacle of full bloom.
Early Bloom Expected: According to the National Park Service, this is the earliest the blossoms have reached stage five in over a decade! The last time they hit this stage on March 15th was in 2012, with peak bloom arriving just five days later.
Warm Start, Cooler Weekend: The unusually warm weather in March has accelerated the blooming process. However, a cool down is expected this weekend, with temperatures dipping into the 60s and rain forecast for Friday and Sunday.
Potential for Extended Stage Five: 7News meteorologist Brian van de Graaff suggests this cooler weather might prolong the "puffy white" stage before the trees reach the 70% bloom threshold for peak bloom. "It shouldn't harm the blossoms," van de Graaff assures, "but it could slow things down a bit."
Cherry Blossom Festival Approaches: The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off its opening ceremony on March 23rd. So, get ready for breathtaking floral displays and vibrant festivities!