DC’s cherry blossoms reach ‘puffy white’ stage — 1 step away from peak bloom
It is the earliest the blossoms have reached stage five in over a decade. The last time the puffy white stage was reached on March 15 was in 2012.
D.C.’s beloved cherry blossoms are now one step away from peak bloom, reaching stage five: “puffy white.”
The National Park Service said on its X social media account that the blossom buds are out Friday morning, adding that they only need to open to reach peak bloom.
The blossoms are out, now we’re just waiting on them to open. This is stage 5 – puffy white. Next stop is peak bloom!
Check out the scene on the BloomCam: https://t.co/FGqr9jaW8r#Cherryblossom #BloomWatch #WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/KvLiupvhie
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) March 15, 2024
It is the earliest the blossoms have reached stage five in over a decade. The last time the puffy white stage was reached on March 15 was in 2012, and the flowers hit peak bloom only five days later.
The warm conditions this March have helped the blossoms poke their heads out earlier than usual this year, but a cool-down may happen this weekend. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 60s with rain expected Friday and Sunday.
On Thursday, 7News Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff said some cooler weather could elongate the fifth stage of the blossoms, before 70% of trees are blooming for the final stage of peak bloom.
“I don’t think it’s going to be cold enough to cause harm, but it could slow things down,” van de Graaff said.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival holds its opening ceremony March 23.