April showers will, unfortunately, not bring May flowers.
The highly-anticipated cherry blossom bloom in Jackson Park will not appear this year due to “erratic weather,” according to an official statement from the Chicago Park District. Strong winds and rain disrupted the blossoms’ development and ripped many of the buds off their branches before they were able to bloom.
The buds stay tight and closed during the early spring’s cold and wet weather to protect the fragile petals. Typically, as the weather warms, these buds gradually open over a two-week period, blooming beloved white and pink petals. This year’s weather conditions kept the buds closed for too long and have since fallen off, the Park District explained.
The first batch of cherry blossoms were initially installed in 2013 to celebrate both the 120th Anniversary of the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and commemorate the relationship between Chicago and Japan. In 2016, famed Japanese artist Yoko Ono installed her first permanent sculpture in the United States, Sky Landing, in Jackson Park’s Wooded Island.
In preparation for next year, the Chicago Park District plans to plant 20 more cherry blossom trees in Jackson Park. By 2026, an additional 60 cherry trees will be planted to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC).
While the spectacle will not make an appearance in Chicago, there are still a few places within driving distance to witness the colorful bloom. Destinations like Door County and the Japanese House at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are prime viewing spots; check out our guide to the best places to see cherry blossoms around Chicago to plan your trip.