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As of Tuesday, 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees that line the District’s Tidal Basin had florets visible — well into the second of five phases researches use to track the capital’s famous blossoms. On average, this phase happens between 16 and 21 days ahead of peak bloom.
• See WTOP’s complete guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival
Warmer weather had left some wondering whether this year’s peak would happen earlier than usual or fizzle altogether. NPS staff spent the last few weeks collecting data and running them through algorithms to make their prediction. 2019’s cherry blossoms peaked around April 1. The date varies year by year and depends on weather conditions. “We’ve had a mild winter and we haven’t had much snow, the trees really haven’t gone into a deep dormancy,” said Brian Hall, spokesman for the NPS unit which oversees the National Mall and its monuments. “The trees are just fine, but it’s about whether or not it’s going to throw off the blooming cycle, and that’s why we’re trying to get the best information from our professionals.” WTOP’s Melissa Howell contributed to this report.
