WASHINGTON, D.C. — The cherry blossom trees have finally reached peak bloom. Temperatures have a large impact on how long the flowers will last.
“We know that warmer temperatures move us more quickly through the bloom cycles, so ideally, we want cooler temperatures once we hit peak bloom,” Mike Litterst, a spokesperson for the National Mall, said.
The National Mall announced peak bloom, which is when 70% of the Yoshino blossoms are open, on March 28th. Litterst predicts peak bloom will last for only a couple days due to storm chances and the warmer temperatures expected.
“The forecast for this weekend is temperatures in the 70s, even mid-80s,” Litterst said. “There’s a thunderstorm chance by Monday or Tuesday. So all of that could contribute to a shorter peak bloom than we saw last year.”
The chilly weekday temperatures didn’t deter people from pouring through the city to catch a glimpse and snap a picture of these fleeting beauties.
However, visitors to the tidal basin will see fewer cherry blossoms and more construction this year. Beloved internet sensation Stumpy and many others were cut down almost a year ago due to a $113 million refurbishment project expected to conclude in 2027.
“We’re well past the halfway point now,” Litterst said. “There’s 500 feet plus of new seawall that’s already in place.”
2025 DC CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: ULTIMATE GUIDE
The new seawall is designed to be sturdier and sit well above the water line to keep water levels out of the cherry trees and away from the memorials for the next 100 years. When the walkways are completed, they will be wider to accommodate larger crowds.
Even if you miss peak bloom, the National Cherry Blossom Festival lasts until April 14 with ample opportunities to celebrate. The Washington Examiner has a list of cherry blossom themed activities as well as an ultimate guide to the festival events.
