Cherry blossom peak bloom to start Thursday April 5 through the weekend, NPS says

WASHINGTON - Continuing cold weather through March caused cherry blossom experts to push back initial estimates for peak bloom to be between April 8 and April 12. The original peak bloom dates were scheduled for between March 17 and March 20.

The average peak bloom is April 4. In 2017, peak bloom was on March 25.

This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 15.

NPS officials warn to keep a look out for gusty winds on Wednesday, which can be an "enemy" of the blossoms.