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Peak of Sensitive Cherry Blossoms in Toronto Faces Frost Threat
As Toronto eagerly anticipates the annual cherry blossom peak, a sudden threat looms overhead. The delicate cherry blossoms, known for their vibrant displays, are at risk due to the possibility of frost. With overnight lows expected to dip below freezing and little to no wind, the potential frost could jeopardize the blossoms’ beauty
The High Park cherry blossoms are currently in their most sensitive stage
regarding weather threats, specifically frost. As of April 19, they reached
Stage 5, with a minority of sakura flowers having opened up in the park,
representing nearly 20% growth. However, warmer weather is needed for them to
enter full bloom. Other parts of the city, including
near the University of Toronto, have already experienced trees in full bloom as
early as April 15 this year.
Unfortunately, frost poses a hazard to the quality of this year’s bloom.
In previous years, extreme cold temperatures led to disappointing displays. For
instance, in 2016, 14 consecutive frosts during the first half of April
resulted in only a 25% peak bloom in early May. Two years later, the situation
was even worse, with three consecutive frosts late into April after a 10-day
mild stretch. The killing frost materialized during
the flower’s most sensitive stage, causing the bloom to fail to materialize.
The critical temperature for cherry blossoms is colder than -2°C, beyond which damage can occur. Let’s hope that this year’s flowers prove extra resilient as Toronto faces back-to-back consecutive frosts and another forecasted event that may impact the bloom.
If you’re in Toronto, consider visiting High Park this weekend to witness the cherry blossoms for yourself. Fingers crossed that Mother Nature is kind to these delicate blooms!
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