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Image: US-LIFESTYLE-CHERRY BLOSSOMS

In Focus

Washington's famed cherry blossoms hit peak bloom (and they won't last long!)

Cherry blossoms in the nation's capital attract thousands to marvel at their short-lived beauty.

/ 11 PHOTOS
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People walk under the cherry blossoms Friday at the Tidal Basin in Washington.

The cherry blossoms have finally reached their peak bloom after the National Park service pushed back their expected peak twice due to cold temperatures.

— Alex Brandon / AP
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Photographers line up to shoot the blossoming cherry trees at sunrise on Thursday.

The National Park Service said Thursday was peak bloom, when at least 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin were blossoming. 

— J. David Ake / AP
Image: Julie Sternberg

Julie Sternberg of Washington takes a selfie Wednesday. 

Under ideal conditions, the trees can hold their blossoms for up to two weeks, but rain is forecast in the nation's capital on Saturday which could wrap up the current bloom. 

— Alex Brandon / AP
Image: US-LIFESTYLE-CHERRY BLOSSOMS

The Jefferson Memorial is framed by cherry blossoms.

— Jim Watson / AFP - Getty Images
Image: US-LIFESTYLE-CHERRY BLOSSOMS

The original cherry trees around the basin were a gift from the mayor of Tokyo to the city in 1912. 

— Jim Watson / AFP - Getty Images
Image: 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival

Photographers shine a light on cherry blossoms early on Friday.

— Michael Reynolds / EPA
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The Washington Monument is framed by pink blossoms on Thursday.
— J. Scott Applewhite / AP
Image: 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival

Families ride on paddle boats Thursday.

— Michael Reynolds / EPA
Image: 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival

A dog sits beneath the cherry blossoms.

— Michael Reynolds / EPA
Image: US-POLITICS-RACISM-MINORITIES-KING

Cherry blossoms bloom near the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on Wednesday.

— Jim Watson / AFP - Getty Images
Image: 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival

A woman walks along the the Tidal Basin on Wednesday.

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— Michael Reynolds / EPA
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