Spring Isn't Canceled: DC Cherry Blossom Peak Dates Will Still Be March 21-24

Thanks to the warmer weather we've been having, peak bloom is now estimated to start as early as March 21.

The National Park Service just tweeted that the D.C. cherry blossoms will bloom a bit earlier than expected this year: March 21-24, to be exact. That's when you can expect to see about 70 percent of the flowers unfurled.

PEAK BLOOM UPDATE! - With significantly warmer than forecast temperatures over the last week and warmer than average temps expected to continue, we are now forecasting peak bloom to start in the range of March 21-24! #BloomWatch #CherryBlossomDC @CherryBlossFest pic.twitter.com/XYT2Lx8u3H
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) March 11, 2020

The blossoms are currently in Stage 3: Extension of the Florets. You'll start to see a bit of color peeking out from the green buds, and the next stage is Peduncle Elongation. From there, Stage 5 is Puffy White and Stage 6 is the spectacular Peak Bloom.

memorial, cherry blossoms, MLK Jr.

Courtesy of The National Mall and Memorial Parks

Use your head when it comes to actually viewing the blossoms. Most National Cherry Blossom Festival events have been canceled in the wake of the coronavirus, but that shouldn't keep you from enjoying nature's beauty. Just practice "social distancing" and follow these common-sense rules:

Do NOT climb the trees. These are national treasures, folks!
Do NOT pick the blossoms.
Do your best not to photobomb people! Everywhere you look, groups of people will be looking for that one perfect shot, so be aware of your surroundings.
Do take a picnic blanket to sit on in case it rains, and look for a quiet spot to enjoy the blossoms (stick to the pathways and benches).
Do have a meeting spot in mind if someone is dropping you off or meeting you. No, "in front of the Jefferson Memorial" isn't good enough (hint: it's round).
Meet at least a block away if someone is kind enough to pick you up. There's no way they'll get close enough unless they're picking you up on a Vespa, and you don't want to hold up traffic.

For more information, keep an eye on the National Mall's official Twitter account.

Will you be heading out to see the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, or do you have another secret spot to view them? Let us know in the comments!