Warm weather propels cherry blossoms to peak bloom days ahead of schedule.

'Echoing the sentiments of many Americans itching to get out after a year of hibernation, Washington’s cherry blossoms burst Sunday into full-on cotton-candy splendor, several days earlier than predicted.

The National Park Service said above-average temperatures in recent days brought the blossoms to peak bloom ahead of schedule. The Trust for the National Mall’s BloomCam broadcast live footage of the display around the Tidal Basin as a smattering of pedestrians strolled under a cloudy sky, nowhere near the teeming crowds of a typical peak bloom.

To the Park Service, thin crowds this year are a good thing. The agency announced Tuesday it would limit vehicular and pedestrian access and shut down parking lots around the Tidal Basin during peak bloom to avoid crowds gathering during the coronavirus pandemic.

Park Service officials did not respond to calls Sunday about any changes in access coinciding with the early peak bloom or how many people have visited. The agency said last week that blossom admirers would have access to the Tidal Basin until crowds swelled past an acceptable limit. After that, it would be prepared to close off the area until after most trees have lost their blooms. . .

This year’s first day of peak bloom is four days head of the average date over the past 30 years and almost a week ahead of the 100-year average of April 3.'>>>

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/cherry-blossoms-tidal-basin/2021/03/28/90c3f8e0-8ff5-11eb-bb49-5cb2a95f4cec_story.html?