In Pictures: Washington's Cherry Blossoms Reach Peak Bloom

"PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOOOOOOOOOOM!"

The elated announcement came Friday morning via social media from the National Park Service – the cherry blossom trees in Washington's Tidal Basin have officially reached peak bloom. It came right on schedule, as the NPS had projected March 28-31 to be the peak bloom window earlier in the month.

Peak bloom occurs when at least 70% of the D.C. Tidal Basin's trees have sprouted flowers as part of their 17-day development cycle, according to the Washington Post. This year's March 28 peak bloom announcement is tied for the latest in the last six years, but it's still earlier than the historical average, the Post added.

If you can't make it to the annual festival along the Tidal Basin, check out these photos that will almost make it feel like you're there: