The cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., have hit an early peak bloom this year, and scientists are pointing their fingers at climate change for this trend. According to the National Park Service, the trees at the Tidal Basin saw peak bloom several days sooner than expected, with this year marking the earliest bloom in at least two decades. The blossoms reached their peak on March 17, as cited by the NPS on CBS News.
It's not just D.C. that's experiencing a shift in the cherry blossoms' schedule. Over in Japan, observations by the Japan Meteorological Agency have shown that the sakura are blooming increasingly earlier. They report, "since 1953, the average start date for the sakura to bloom has become earlier, at a pace of 1.2 days every 10 years," indicating a troubling pattern connected to rising temperatures across the globe. Daisuke Sasano, a climate risk management officer from JMA, mentioned that such changes could impact popular tourist spots, an insight shared by Axios.
The earlier blossoming of cherry trees is being directly linked to temperature elevations, as noted by weather experts and park officials. Weather influences are said to significantly to affect both the timing and length of the bloom periods. The NPS explains that cool and calm weather can maintain the blooming longer, whereas rain and strong winds can quickly end the delicate display. Also chillingly contributing to the phenomenon, 2023 was recorded as the hottest year on record, with 2024 already breaking previous high-temperature records. Confirming these conditions, a DC News Now article detailed how residents and visitors alike are taking advantage of the early bloom to enjoy the iconic cherry blossoms.
Climate Central, a renowned non-profit group, had warned that cherry blossoms in D.C. have shifted their average blooming time from the typical April 6 between 1931 and 1960 to April 1 from 1981 to 2010. And they smoothly predict that further advancements into early March could become the norm. Meanwhile, peak blooming dates may continue to grind forward as the planet heats up. This warming, despite hopeful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, will likely impact weather patterns and the iconic cherry blossoms for years to come, as reported by CBS News.
