WASHINGTON — Get your cameras ready! D.C.'s cherry blossoms have reached beak bloom Monday! The National Park Service said the best time to view them is within the next 7 to 10 days.
The peak bloom is defined as when 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry trees have reached the peak bloom stage of the bloom cycle.
How Long Will The Blooming Period Last?
REMEMBER: "Wind Is The Enemy"
However, at peak bloom, the blossoms and petals are very fragile. For the next several days the weather cooperates with keeping them in tact with lighter winds.
Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom, but rainy, windy conditions do the opposite and can bring an abrupt end to the ephemeral blossoms.
Wind gusts around 30 mph or higher can be enough to blow the petals right off the trees. Gusts over 40 mph significantly increase that threat. Heavy rain can cause the blossoms to wilt. And temperatures in the mid 20s can kill them off altogether.
2019 Peak Bloom -- Gusty Winds
Recent gusty winds have been enough to blow off a few petals.
We don't think this is strong enough for an abrupt end to the bloom.
Winds should stay relatively calm for the next few days.
