Overview
- The National Park Service said the Yoshino cherry trees reached peak bloom Thursday, the stage when about 70% of blossoms are open.
- Viewing may last only a few days, since cool, calm weather extends blooms but rain or wind can end the show fast.
- The National Cherry Blossom Festival is underway, drawing large crowds to the National Mall and the Tidal Basin.
- Parts of the Tidal Basin remain closed for a multi‑year repair project that removed more than 100 trees, including the well‑known “Stumpy,” and rerouted walkways.
- The display continues a tradition that began with a 1912 gift from Tokyo, with 250 new trees from Japan set to be planted to honor the nation’s 250th year.