WASHINGTON — The cherry blossoms’ peak bloom is expected a few days earlier than planned as the blossoms have advanced to the “puffy white” stage, despite the possible snow on Monday.
The National Park Service said peak bloom is now expected by the end of this week.
It’s no April Fool! Cherry blossoms have advanced to stage 5 – puffy white. Next stop is peak bloom, expected by the end of the week given the continued mild forecast. Plenty to see now – weeping cherries in full bloom, 20% of Yoshinos at peak. #BloomWatch #CherryBlossomDC pic.twitter.com/hofcwIhR22
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) April 1, 2018
Mike Litterst with the National Park Service said the cherry blossoms should be safe from any crucial weather damage because temperatures will not drop under 30 degrees.
On Sunday, people were enjoying the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin, where the flowers have begun turning pink and vibrant.
Cameron Stanuch and his father David Stanuch enjoyed the pretty pinks that were bursting from the buds.
“It’s been beautiful so far,” said Cameron.
David has never seen the cherry blossoms before. He lives in Maine, where the average annual snowfall is between 50 to 70 inches.
“Officially spring, no snow, no Nor’easters,” he said.
Wilma Strong was visiting the D.C. area from Atlanta and although she said she will miss peak bloom, she was stilling enjoying the blossoms at the Tidal Basin.
“They’ve popped enough for me. I see color,” she said.
Strong saw the blossoms at peak bloom years ago, when she found out her daughter, who was one year old at the time, had allergies.
“Beautiful pictures, not-so-beautiful kid that day. She was miserable,” Strong said.
