WASHINGTON — The frigid weather that has lingered in the D.C. area this season could impact D.C.’s famous cherry blossom trees.
According to the National Park Service, peak bloom typically occurs around April 4, but it varies depending on the weather.
This season, peak bloom is on track to be later than normal.
“Cold weather from January to February — that’s really making us behind past years,” explains Michael Stachowicz, a turf management specialist with the National Park Service.
In 2014, peak bloom was April 10. It happened on March 20 back in 2012.
At this point, it all comes down to weather conditions throughout March.
“Even though we’re behind, we’re only a couple 60- or 70-degree days away from catching right back up to where our averages are,” says Stachowicz.
The National Park Service will release an official bloom forecast Tuesday.
