We're getting there! D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms have reached stage three as they head toward peak bloom, the National Park Service (NPS) posted Tuesday morning on its Bloom Watch page.
Stage three is known as extension of florets. In recent years, the trees have reached stage three earlier in March, according to NPS data. That phase began March 8 last year, and March 7 the year before that.
There are six stages total. The final stage, peak bloom, is defined as when 70% of the Tidal Basin’s Yoshino cherry blossoms have opened.
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Daily temperatures generally play a role in how fast the blossoms progress through the stages to reach peak bloom. In previous years, extremely warm or cool temperatures have led to peak bloom as early as March 15 (in 1990) and as late as April 18 (back in 1958).
This year, the NPS has predicted peak bloom for March 28 to March 31, and Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper says March 28 to April 3 likely will be the best time to see the blossoms. You can send us YOUR peak bloom prediction; the person who gets the closest without going over will receive a cherry blossom-themed NBC4 & Telemundo 44 prize pack.
