Here's when D.C. cherry blossoms will hit peak bloom

State of play: Peak isn't so far off last year's, lagging only by a day or two.

• Winter's record cold and its extended grip on the region had been expected to delay the buds. Thankfully NPS says no damage was done — expect the regular splendor!
• And the blossoming will still coincide with the National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20-April 12).

Between the lines: Peak bloom occurs when 70% of the Tidal Basin's Yoshino cherry blossoms have opened, according to NPS.

• The trees typically blossom for seven days. If the weather's favorable this year, we could see 10 days of blooms, the agency says.

✨ What's new: The Tidal Basin got a glow-up with wider walkways.

• Look for 250 new cherry trees, a gift from Japan, which will be planted in the coming months.