New Delhi, March 27 -- t's finally peak bloom for the airy pink cherry blossoms in Washington, a welcome sign of spring in a city of concrete and granite continuously weighed down by the necessary heft of the nation's decision-making.

The thousands of blooming cherry trees that adorn the nation's capital have burst into ephemeral blossoms, the arrival of which marks the unofficial beginning of Washington's tourist season. It's a fleeting window, though, with the delicate blooms at the mercy of weather shifts.

According to the National Park Service, which cares for the 3,500 cherry trees across the city, peak bloom date is defined as the day on which 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open. This year, it's right on time, typically ha...