D.C.’s iconic Yoshino cherry blossoms have reached stage two as they head towards peak bloom, the National Park Service announced Sunday.
Stage two means that florets, or tiny flowers that start to form within the green buds, are visible on the trees. In recent years, the trees have reached stage two earlier in March, according to NPS data. Stage two began March 5 last year.
There are six stages total, with the final one being peak bloom, defined as when 70% of the Tidal Basin’s Yoshino cherry blossoms have opened.
The NPS said in its announcement that the weather will likely play a role in how fast the blossoms progress through the stages to reach peak bloom.
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The NPS predicts that peak bloom will occur March 28 to March 31, and Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper predicts March 28 to April 3 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.
