Revised cherry blossom forecast: Peak bloom in Washington around March 22
'We’ve moved our forecast 5 days earlier, as warm temperatures have accelerated the bloom cycle.
All but one day this month has been warmer than average in Washington, pushing its famed cherry blossoms ever closer to peak bloom. Because of the mild weather over the region now and the forecast for more over the next 10 days, we’re moving up our forecast for peak bloom five days, from March 25 to 29 to March 20 to 24, centered on March 22.
If peak bloom occurs on March 22, it would mark the seventh earliest date on record (since 1921). The date would be nine days earlier than the 30-year average of March 31, and 12 days before the longer-term (1921 to 2019) average of April 3.
Such an early bloom would fit in with many other trees in the area, which are leafing and flowering up to two to three weeks ahead of schedule.
When temperatures surged to 74 degrees Monday, the National Park Service reported the blossom buds had already reached their third stage (out of six), called extension of florets. On average, peak bloom occurs a little more than 10 days after this stage, although the range in recent years between six and 16 days.'
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/03/10/revised-cherry-blossom-forecast-dc/?
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