Community Corner

NPS Updates 2013 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Prediction (Again)

Cold weather has once again pushed back the peak bloom date for the hundreds of cherry blossom trees around the DC Tidal Basin.

The National Park Service has officially adjusted its peak bloom prediction for the Tidal Basin cherry blossom trees for a second time. Now the 2013 cherry blossom peak bloom is expected April 6-8.

NPS initially estimated that a peak bloom would be March 26-30 and then changed that prediction to April 3 through 6 after a bout of cold weather in March. April 3 has come and gone and NPS has again shifted its prediction.

"Exactly when the buds will open is not easy to predict and it is extremely difficult to give an accurate forecast much more than 10 days before peak bloom," according to the National Cherry Blossom Festival website.

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Earlier this week The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang predicted the peak would shift.

Their estimate was April 6-10.

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  • See: 2013 Cherry Blossom Peak and DC Festival Guide

The weather should cooperate in the next few days in DC, bringing some warmth and sunshine to those cherry blossom buds.

Saturday, temperatures will be slightly cooler (around 60 degrees), but skies will be sunny. 

Sunday will be warm with high temperatures near 70 degrees under partly-cloudy skies.

Monday and Tuesday will be even warmer, as temperatures climb into the mid-70s under partly cloudy skies.

To make sure you do not miss the peak bloom, the National Park Service has created a live web cam of the cherry blossom trees around the DC Tidal Basin so you can monitor the bloom progress and decide when to visit.

More on the Cherry Blossom Festival and Peak Bloom Guide:

  • Cherry Blossom Fireworks: Where are the Best Views?
  • 2013 DC Cherry Blossom Peak Watch: Live Video

 


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