Cherry blossoms in Washington, DC are nearing peak bloom earlier than usual this year. The National Park Service defines peak bloom as the day when 70% of the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This shift in timing is attributed to warming trends in global climate, which have caused spring events like leaf growth and flower blooms to occur earlier. Long-term data from the Environmental Protection Agency indicates that peak bloom dates have shifted earlier by roughly seven or eight days since 1921. The cherry blossoms, a gift from Japan in 1912, are the centerpiece of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, attracting numerous visitors to the National Mall each year.