It’s the season of new beginnings and renewal. Spring is here! While there are many things that signify the arrival of spring, the blooming of Cherry Blossoms tops the list. Indeed, many Philadelphians are eager to bask in the beauty of the Sakura. Read on to find out exactly when they’re expected to reach peak bloom this season.
Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming
Philadelphia is filled with many popular places –and hidden gems– to view gorgeous cherry blossoms. Undeniably, exactly when the cherry trees peak in bloom varies spring to spring depending on several factors. One major predictor being the weather. Specifically, this year, the warmer weather is causing cherry blossoms to bloom earlier than usual.
A weather analysis conducted by the Inquirer concluded that spring temps in Philly has risen roughly 2.5 degrees the last 50 years, according to data collected by the National Weather Service at Philadelphia International Airport from 1974 through 2023.
Although Philadelphia is currently experiencing colder temps, who can forget the beginning of March where temperatures were in the high 60’s to low 70’s.
So unseasonably warm the weather has been as of late, Vince Marrocco, director of horticulture at Morris Arboretum & Gardens, calls this one of the “weirder springs that I can remember.”
So When Exactly Is Peak Bloom?
While climate has been increasingly warmer globally, the warmer weather is indeed causing some species to bloom earlier.
“Peak bloom in March would have been unheard of 30 years ago,” Vince Marrocco explained to Philly Voice. “Cherries basically produce their flowers based on how long the ambient temperature has been above 50°F. This year, with all the warm weather we’ve had and the amount of warm weather we are predicted to have, the forecast is very early.
Specifically, he predicted the peak cherry bloom to be around the end of March although it should be about the seventh or 10th of April.