The iconic cherry blossoms, celebrated as harbingers of spring, are blooming prematurely in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., signaling a significant shift in seasonal patterns influenced by climate change.

Japan, renowned for its breathtaking cherry blossoms, has witnessed an advancement in the blooming period. According to Daisuke Sasano, a climate risk management officer at the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average blooming date has advanced by 1.2 days per decade since 1953.

In Tokyo, the blooming season has shifted earlier due to global warming and urbanization. The traditional bloom date, once around March 29 between 1961 and 1990, has moved to March 24 from 1991 to 2020, with Tokyo warming by 3°C over the past century.

Last year, Tokyo experienced an unprecedented early bloom on March 14, contrary to the usual southern-to-northern progression of cherry blossoms.

The Japan Weather Association predicts an even earlier bloom this year, setting March 21 as the projected peak date, with cherry blossoms already appearing across Japan.

In Washington, D.C., where nearly 4,000 cherry trees were gifted by Japan in 1912, a similar trend is observed. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, a major tourist attraction, typically draws over 1.5 million visitors annually and generates significant revenue.

The Yoshino variety cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington are reaching peak bloom approximately seven days earlier than in 1921, with the average peak bloom date anticipated between March 23-26.

Climate scientists attribute earlier blooms to rising temperatures but caution against assuming a linear progression. Insufficient exposure to cold temperatures can disrupt the blooming process, affecting flower and fruit production.

Climate change is also directly impacting the health and longevity of cherry trees in Washington, D.C., with rising water levels in the Potomac River threatening the iconic trees around the Tidal Basin.

To address this, the US National Park Service is undertaking a multi-year climate resilience project involving the removal and replanting of cherry trees to mitigate the impact of climate change and ensure the survival of these cherished symbols of spring.

This early bloom of cherry blossoms underscores the profound influence of climate change on natural ecosystems, prompting efforts to adapt and mitigate its effects to preserve the beauty and significance of these iconic trees for generations to come.

By : Kruthiga V S