DCs cherry blossom may bloom earlier in the future. Heres why NBC4 Washington [Video]

The changing climate is impacting when D.C.’s famous cherry trees reach peak bloom. 

This year’s May-like temps in March are quickly pushing the Tidal Basin trees towards peak bloom. The trees reached the first phase of their blooming cycle on the first weekend of March.

The cherry blossoms go through six phases on the way to peak bloom or when 70% of the Yoshino blossoms are flowering. Storm Team4’s predicts the trees will reach peak bloom between March 21 and 26. Last year, peak bloom was March 23. 

The National Park Service is already working to address rising water and flooding. They recently announced that 159 cherry trees on the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park will be cut down for seawall repairs.  

Here’s more on how climate change will impact peak bloom in the future:

Yes, the changing climate is making D.C.’s cherry blossoms reach peak bloom earlier.

From 1931 to 1960, the average peak bloom was around April 6. From 1981 to …