Philadelphia's cherry blossoms are on track to reach peak bloom from April 5-8. Why it matters: Cue weekend crowds in Fairmount Park vying for the best selfie content and picnic spots among flowering trees.

Spurred by D.C.’s recent sunny, mild weather, the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms reached the first stage of development Tuesday. The cycle could accelerate soon.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Washington’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors for three weeks of street parties, concerts, family activities and days to go fly a kite.

Spring's pink pageant is unfolding at the University of Washington, where the Quad's iconic Yoshino cherry trees are nearing peak bloom, an annual tradition that draws thousands of visitors to campus.

The National Park Service announced its experts predict cherry blossoms will be in peak bloom from March 28 to March 31. Storm Team4 meteorologist Amelia Draper agrees that the last week of March is the best time to plan your trip to the blossoms.

The famed cherry blossom trees are making their way toward peak bloom in D.C. Here’s a look at their progress.

Visitors can monitor the blooms in real time on the University of Washington's website. Peak bloom means 70% of the buds have emerged. SEATTLE - The University of Washington cherry blossoms on the Seattle campus are a sign that spring is knocking on the door.

"The most likely time to reach peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April," the NPS says. The NPS has predicted peak bloom will be March 28 to 31 this year, while Storm Team4 predicts peak bloom between March 28 and April 3.