Cherry blossoms flourish in DC and New York... but scientists warn it's a grave indicator of climate change

Cherry blossom trees have reached 'peak bloom' in Washington, D.C., and New York City, but experts caution this early florescence is a symptom of warming temperatures worldwide.

The famous cherry blossoms in the nation's capital experienced their earliest peak bloom in 20 years on Sunday - tying for their second-earliest peak bloom ever.

This means 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry trees along the National Mall and the Tidal Basin have opened their flowers.

'That's what's lovely about D.C.,' Cherry blossom fan Jenny Blakemore told USAToday. 'You walk around anywhere in D.C. and find cherry blossoms and find your secret little trees that make you feel happiness.'

Blakemore joined hundreds of other fans in D.C. and the Big Apple over the weekend who came out to enjoy the site of the beautiful trees and warmer temperatures. 

The cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C., have reached their earliest 'peak bloom' in 20 years

As of Sunday, 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry trees along the National Mall and the Tidal Basin had opened their flowers

Cherry blossom season is also underway in New York City, where trees in Central Park have begun to bloom

The DC bloom comes at the heels of one of Washington’s warmest recorded winters, with temperatures soaring to 80 degrees by late January, the earliest occurrence on record.

The bloom was days shy of the record for the earliest peak bloom in history, which was reported on March 15, 1990. National Park Service data shows that the trees have bloomed earlier and earlier since they were donated by Japan in 1912.

In 2021, the trees reached their peak on March 28, the same year Kyoto registered its earliest bloom in over 1,200 years.

Winter is the fastest-warming season in the nation's capital, according to Climate Central. An analysis by the nonprofit found that D.C. has added 20 more days to its growing season since 1970.

National Weather Service data shows the average spring temperature in D.C. has risen by 3.6 degrees from 1970 to 2023.

The National Mall's official account on X, formerly Twitter, rang in the occasion with a tweet.

'PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! Did we say PEAK BLOOM?! The blossoms are opening & putting on a splendid spring spectacle. See you soon,' the post read, accompanied by a photo of pink blossoms.

Cherry blossom season is also underway in the Big Apple.

By the second week of March 2023, some of the famous trees in Central Park had already reached peak bloom.

Like D.C., the Big Apple has also seen an increase in temps. Statewide, the thermometer has risen by 0.6°F each decade since 1970, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Peak bloom in the nation's capital follows one of the region's warmest recorded winters, with temperatures soaring to 80 degrees by late January

Winter is the fastest-warming season in Washington, D.C., according to historical National Parks Service data

The famous cherry blossoms have bloomed earlier and earlier since they were donated by Japan in 1912

Since 1970, D.C. has added 20 more days to its growing season, meaning trees are flowering sooner

The average spring temperature in D.C. has risen by 3.6 degrees from 1970 to 2023

With warming temperatures, however, comes a potential impact to tourism, as the window to view the peak bloom may grow shorter despite the earlier bloom

Early blossoming also makes the trees vulnerable to sudden cold fronts that can decimate numbers. Roughly half of the Yoshino blossoms in D.C. were lost to a late frost in March 2017

Blossoms are currently available for viewing on the Great Lawn of Central Park, while trees at Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill and Sheep Meadow are still in their pre-peak stage, according to the Central Park's official website.

Peak bloom times also vary depending on the type of tree. 

Okame cherry blossoms, for instance, tend to peak earlier than other species and bloomed in the first week of March last year.

The attraction draws millions of visitors each year, but climate change may put tourism in jeopardy. 

Warmer temperatures may trigger the flowers to open earlier or shorten their full-bloom phase, making their overall viewing window shorter.

Early blossoming also makes the trees vulnerable to sudden cold fronts. Roughly half of the Yoshino blossoms in D.C. were lost to a late frost in March 2017, according to the National Park Service.

Visitors to the Big Apple can view cherry blossoms on Central Park's Great Lawn

Trees in other parts of the park including Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill and Sheep Meadow are still in their pre-peak stage

Peak bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions including rain and colder temperatures

A warmer spring won't guarantee early blooms, either. Cherry blossoms must be exposed to temperatures of about 45 degrees to enter into a necessary dormancy period before flowering in the spring.

Without it, the trees can suffer from delayed blossoming and reduced flower and fruit production.

The National Park Service noted that peak bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions across the board. 

'Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom, and a rainy, windy day can bring an abrupt end to the ephemeral blossoms,' the service explained.

A late frost, meanwhile, 'can prevent the trees from blooming at all.'