Photos: May-like warmth triggers early bloom for cherry blossom trees

By Chaffin Mitchell, AccuWeather staff writer

February 27,2017, 11:49:15AM,EST

 

The bloom of the cherry blossom trees is a sign that spring has sprung, but some trees are already starting to bloom in Washington, D.C.
The earliest recorded cherry tree bloom was March 15, 1990, but this year might set a new record due to unseasonably warm weather.

Pink blossoms arriving ahead of schedule on Feb. 25, 2017 in Washington D.C. (Instagram/samoliverrr)

Six out of eight days from Feb. 18 to Feb. 25 were at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in Washington, D.C. Highs in the uppers 60s to upper 70s were common during this stretch, which are temperatures more typical of May.
Cool, calm weather can lengthen the bloom, but rain and windy conditions can abruptly end it.
"While no daily record highs were set in the city during this stretch, it certainly was remarkable by February standards," AccuWeather Meteorologist Renee Duff said.
In 1912 the Mayor of Tokyo gifted the United States with 3,000 pink flowered trees.
A festival is held ever year to admire the beauty of the trees. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event that celebrates springtime in Washington, D.C. and the 1912 gift of trees.

Cherry trees in full bloom in Shaw, Washington, D.C. (Instagram/funkymandarins)

Cherry blossoms lining the streets in a Washington D.C. neighborhood on Feb. 26, 2017. (Instagram/sbguy89)

Cherry trees soaking up the sun in unseasonably warm weather in Washington D.C. on Feb. 25, 2017. (Instagram/hilarycc88)

Also, Magnolia trees have started to bloom early.

Beautiful blossoms galore on Feb. 25, 2017. (Instagram/steven.kress)