D.C.’s famous cherry trees burst into peak bloom on Friday, aided by abundant sunshine and three weeks of abnormally mild weather. The peak occurred several days earlier than the long-term average, as human-caused climate warming hastens the onset of spring flowering.

“PEAK BLOOOOOOOOOOOM!,” the National Park Service declared on X. “It took one more sunrise and warming temperatures, but we’re finally here. Come enjoy the splendid spring spectacle.”

This year marks the sixth in a row in which the blossoms peaked earlier than normal.

Peak bloom, the last phase of a six-stage bud development cycle, occurs when 70 percent of the cherry trees are flowering. The buds sped through this cycle in just 17 days, among the fastest rates in the past two decades.

The early bloom fits right into recent trends.

Cherry blossoms bloom along the tidal basin

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As March temperatures have climbed over the past century, the average peak bloom date has advanced about a week, from April 4 to March 29. Including this year, each of the past six years has seen a peak before March 29. Last year, it was on March 17 — tied for second-earliest on record.

The blossoms’ sprint to peak occurred after a slow start to the bloom cycle. The emergence of green buds — the first stage of the process — didn’t occur until March 11, about a week later than normal. A somewhat cooler-than-normal winter delayed their development. But since March 3, all but three days have been milder than normal in Washington, including four with highs in the 70s and none with freezing lows. The warm weather accelerated the bloom process.

This year’s peak bloom falls in the midst of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs until April 13.

Cherry trees typically remain in peak bloom for about three to seven days. Cloudy, cool and calm weather tends to preserve them, whereas they don’t last as long if it’s hot. Rainy and windy weather can strip the blossom petals and curtail the bloom period, especially after one or two days of peak bloom.

This year, the blossoms should remain at peak through at least the weekend. Temperatures should reach the 60s Friday afternoon, but blossom gazers may have to dodge a few showers toward evening.

Saturday may be the nicest day for blossom viewing, with partly to mostly sunny skies, and warm highs near 80.

Late into Monday, however, rain showers are likely, and winds may pick up — causing some flower petals to gradually fall. Cooler weather during the middle of next week may allow the blossoms to hold on near peak for a few more days before they probably fade late next week.

The March 28 peak bloom falls within the National Park Service’s predicted window of March 28 to 30 and one day past the forecast of March 23 to 27 from the Capital Weather Gang.