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Despite the early spring that crashed up from the south across the country this year, at least one vernal turn is delayed: the cherry blossoms. We’re about 3 weeks later than usual, but on the verge of the burst.

Michelle Ma writes in the UW Today that our cold winter has stalled them:

Bloom timing varies each year and depends mostly on the amount of daylight and consistency of temperatures. If we have a stretch of days reaching over 50 degrees F, that bodes well for blooming. Alternatively, if it gets colder for a longer stretch, the blooming will stall.

Flowers came out earlier than usual the last two years, [UW arborist Sara] Shores said, but this year’s later start is still within the normal range. Last year the trees reached full bloom by March 11.

But, according the blossom’s personal Twitter account, the wait is just about over:

So that’s 10% in bloom as of Wednesday, with full bloom expected starting Monday or so. But, before deciding to hold off until peak days, consider that a) it is the weekend, and b) it is Seattle.

At the moment that I’m writing this, Saturday is supposed to the only day that our closest star is likely to peak from behind her shades.

But Seattle sun is like Seattle people: “we should see each other sometime! Let’s get together!” and then that’s the last you’ll see of her until the summer.

Still, if I wanted to see the pink and blue together, I’d head over there Saturday. And if you end up snapping pictures worth seeing, and wouldn’t mind sharing them, please send them in, we’d love to publish them!

(Photo by Rikki Rivera)