WASHINGTON — Snowy weather forecast to hit the Metro area this week might throw lots of work and school schedules out or whack, but not the expected peak bloom date for D.C.’s iconic cherry trees.
Peak bloom still is expected to occur on the Tidal Basin sometime between March 27 and March 31, according to the National Park Service, which takes care of the trees. Peak bloom is when 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin are in full bloom.
“Certainly we’ll continue to look at the near term and the long-term forecast especially with snow coming over the next couple of days, or a wintery mix,” National Mall spokesman Mike Litterst said. “So, depending on that — depending on what the trees tell us as we look at them, we may change the projected peak bloom again based on all that data.”
As of Monday, many Tidal Basin cherry tree buds were in the late stage of phase two. “That’s two out of six — where six is peak bloom,” Litterst said.
It’s only when buds are more fully developed that they risk being damaged by temperatures at or below 29 to 27 degrees.
“Snow alone is not cause for damage, especially at this phase of the bloom watch,” Litterst said.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival currently is underway through April 15.
The Tidal Basin Welcome Area features information tents, food, and souvenir sales. Also in the Tidal Basin area, the National Park service offers guided tours talking about the history of the cherry blossoms.
The Bloomin’ Junior Ranger Station near the Jefferson Memorial has interactive activities for children who can learn about the cherry trees and Japanese culture to earn a Bloomin’ Junior Ranger badge.
