Right on forecast, the weather cooperated today to produce maximum cherry blossom conditions in Washington, DC.

The famous DC cherry trees have bloomed as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958) and this year’s March 28 peak keeps things within normal range.

The peak bloom date for DC’s cherry blossoms is defined as the day on which 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open. While there was concern that  a possible  unexpected warm or cold surge of air could delay or speed up the blooming process, conditions unfolded just as forecast.

Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a spring celebration in Washington, D.C. designed to commemorate the March 27, 1912, gift of Japanese cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo City to the city of Washington, D.C. Mayor Ozaki donated the trees to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan and also celebrate the continued close relationship between the two nations. The annual festival typically draws thousands from around the world to view the stunning spring sight,  unofficially kicking off the spring travel season in the Mid Atlantic.