Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 6, 2015
The National Park Service announced this afternoon that its arborists judged that 70 percent of the cherry trees have “peduncle elongation” phase, going in record time from the “florets visible” to “peduncle elongation” stages and whizzing through the “extension of florets” stage on the way. The historical average suggests about 6-10 days from “peduncle elongation” to peak bloom, although there’s obviously some variation.
There’s been quite a lot of progress since the last update, and things are humming along nicely now. While most of the trees are not yet blooming, you can find some scattered blossoms if you go looking for them. The indicator tree is blooming with its white flowers. Over the next days more and more flowers will be coming out.
The Ohio Drive traffic restrictions are now in force, so there’s one way traffic along West Potomac Park and the entrance near the Lincoln Memorial is blocked off (you can still exit there). And there are a lot more people around now, so finding parking spots is getting more competitive.
Spring weather doesn’t get much better than this today. Lots of sunshine, very pleasant temperatures, and only a hint of breeze (for now, but picking up later). The forecast for the rest of the week is more of a mixed bag.
http://havecamerawilltravel.com/cherry-blossoms/cherry-blossom-watch-update-april-6-2015/
NOTE: This was YESTERDAY. Spring weather's not quite the same today! But I'm looking forward to my trek to the Tidal Basin next week.
