Cherry blossoms have reached their “peak bloom” in Washington, DC and New York, but experts warn that this early bloom is a symptom of warming temperatures around the world.
The nation’s capital’s famous cherry blossoms experienced their earliest bloom in 20 years on Sunday, tied for their second earliest bloom ever.
That means 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry trees along the National Mall and Tidal Basin have opened their blooms.
“That’s what’s beautiful about DC,” said cherry blossom fan Jenny Blakemore. USA today. “You walk anywhere in Washington and find cherry blossoms and your secret little trees that make you happy.”
Blakemore joined hundreds of other fans in Washington DC and the Big Apple this weekend who came to enjoy the venue with beautiful trees and warmer temperatures.
Cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., reached their first ‘peak bloom’ in 20 years
As of Sunday, 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry trees along the National Mall and Tidal Basin had opened their flowers.
Cherry blossom season is also underway in New York, where trees in Central Park have started to bloom.
The bloom in Washington follows one of the warmest winters on record in Washington state, with temperatures reaching 80 degrees in late January, the first such event on record.
The bloom was days away from the record for the first peak bloom in history, reported on March 15, 1990. National Park Service data shows that trees have bloomed earlier and earlier since they were donated by the Japan in 1912.
In 2021, the trees reached their peak on March 28, the same year Kyoto recorded its first flowering in over 1,200 years.
Winter is the fastest warming season in the nation’s capital, according to Climate Central. An analysis by the nonprofit found that DC has added 20 more days to its growing season since 1970.
Data from the National Weather Service shows that the average spring temperature in Washington increased by 3.6 degrees between 1970 and 2023.
The official National Mall account on X, formerly Twitter, chimed in on the occasion with a tweet.
“FLOWER PICK!” MAXIMUM FLOWER! MAXIMUM FLOWER! Did we say PEAK BLOOM?! The flowers open and offer a splendid spring spectacle. See you soon,” the message read, alongside a photo of pink flowers.
Cherry blossom season is also underway in the Big Apple.
By the second week of March 2023, some of Central Park’s famous trees had already reached their peak in bloom.
Like DC, the Big Apple has also experienced an increase in temperatures. Statewide, the thermometer has risen 0.6°F each decade since 1970, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The peak bloom in the nation’s capital follows one of the region’s warmest winters on record, with temperatures reaching 80 degrees in late January.
Winter is the fastest warming season in Washington, D.C., according to historical data from the National Parks Service.
The famous cherry blossoms have been blooming earlier and earlier since they were donated by Japan in 1912.
Since 1970, DC has added 20 extra days to its growing season, meaning trees are flowering earlier
The average spring temperature in Washington DC increased by 3.6 degrees between 1970 and 2023.
However, warming temperatures have a potential impact on tourism, as the window for observing peak flowering may become shorter despite earlier flowering.
Early flowering also leaves trees vulnerable to sudden cold fronts that can decimate their numbers. About half of Yoshino’s flowers in Washington DC were lost to a late frost in March 2017.
Flowers are currently visible on the Great Lawn of Central Park, while the trees of Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill and Sheep Meadow are still in their pre-peak stage, according to the official Central Park website.
Peak flowering times also vary depending on the type of tree.
Okame cherry blossoms, for example, tend to reach their peak earlier than other species and bloomed during the first week of March last year.
The attraction attracts millions of visitors each year, but climate change could put tourism at risk.
Warmer temperatures may trigger flowers to open earlier or shorten their full bloom phase, making their overall viewing window shorter.
Early flowering also makes trees vulnerable to sudden cold fronts. About half of Washington’s Yoshino flowers were lost to a late frost in March 2017, according to the National Park Service.
Visitors to the Big Apple can admire the cherry blossoms on the Great Lawn of Central Park
Trees in other parts of the park, including Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill and Sheep Meadow, are still in their pre-peak stage.
Peak bloom varies each year depending on weather conditions, including rain and colder temperatures.
A warmer spring will not guarantee early flowering either. Cherry blossoms need to be exposed to temperatures around 45 degrees to enter a necessary dormant period before blooming in spring.
Without it, trees may suffer from delayed flowering and reduced flower and fruit production.
The National Park Service has noted that peak bloom varies each year depending on weather conditions in all areas.
“Cool, calm weather can prolong blooms, and a rainy, windy day can abruptly end short-lived blooms,” the service explained.
Meanwhile, a late frost “can prevent trees from flowering.”