Due to climate change, Washington's famous cherry trees are blooming two weeks earlier than expected

Drive exceptionally warm weather in March Cherry blossom to Washington To its second peak in over a century of records, reflecting the growing influence of Climate change Caused by humans on famous trees.

“Blooming Peak! Flowering Peak! Flowering Peak! We said Flower apex“?”, books National Park Service in s At four o'clock on Sunday evening. “The flowers are blooming and Make a great spring display“.

Peak bloom on Sunday in the tidal basin, about two weeks earlier than usual, tied with 2000 as the second-oldest period on record; Only the one on March 15, 1990 occurred earlier in observations dating back to 1921. This year's peak bloom was so early that it predated the official start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs from March 20 to April 14, and was also before Early forecasts.

Peak bloom, the final stage of a six-stage cycle of bud development, occurs when 70% of cherry trees are in bloom. Outbreaks completed this cycle in just 15 days, faster than in any other year for at least the past two decades. Early flowering fits well with modern trends.

As March temperatures have risen over the past century, the average peak bloom date has moved forward by about six days, from April 4 to March 30. Including this year, in each of the last five years, the peak has occurred before March 29. Last year it was March 23rd More than a week ago.

Average temperatures in March were more than 9 degrees above normal, making it the second warmest temperature ever recorded. Subzero temperatures have not been recorded since February 26. The mild weather attracted thousands of people to the Tidal Basin on Saturday and Sunday, as flowers peaked and temperatures rose to 15 to 21 degrees Celsius, 10 to 15 degrees above normal.

Groups flocked to catch a glimpse of the beloved tree known as… short Before being removed as part of a multi-year plan to repair dams that have deteriorated since they were built. According to him National Park ServiceSome dams have stabilized up to five feet high, while tidal levels are rising due to sea level rise. Another indicator of climate change. when short It reached peak bloom for the last time, surrounded by water.

At another point along the two-mile basin trail on Saturday, a couple took photos under a cherry tree in full bloom near Memorial to JeffersonTaking advantage of the clear skies and gentle breeze. In front of Jefferson, a crowd of people gathered for a gender reveal party. Under a group of cherry trees a pink sparkle explodes, Foreshadows a girl. The flying glitter looked like cherry blossom petals blowing in the breeze.

Almost all cherry trees Tidal basin It has attracted people taking selfies and photos or providing shade for family outings. A positive forecast may allow visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms for another week. Wet and windy weather can strip the petals and reduce the peak bloom period, but this week is expected to be mostly dry.

Some winds may blow on Tuesday and blow off the petals, but the breezes are expected to subside after that. Cool direction should prolong the flowering period. As long as there is no unexpected frost that might cause the petals to wilt, maximum temperatures of 50°C and minimum temperatures of 30° will help extend the life of the flowers.

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