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Will California have a 'superbloom' this year? Here's what to know about the flower spectacle
- Carpets of yellow, orange and gold flowers are spreading across Southern California’s deserts.
- This year’s blooms are not as vibrant or abundant as last year’s “superbloom,” which followed drought-busting rains.
- Superblooms occur when desert stretches transform into dense wildflower fields due to dormant seeds germinating after seasons with over 30 percent average precipitation.
Carpets of yellow, orange and gold flowers are beginning to cover Southern California’s vast deserts, the Bay Area’s dramatic bluffs and even near Los Angeles International Airport.
But do they add up to a “superbloom”? There is no single definition of the event, but so far this year’s blooms haven’t been as vibrant or abundant as those that took over swaths of California last spring following drought-busting rains. This year, too, the state received ample winter rains.
After especially wet winters, bursts of color may appear in the spring, drawing droves of visitors to California and other parts of the Southwest to glimpse the flowering fields and pose for pictures.
CALIFORNIA’S MASSIVE SUPERBLOOM SEEN FROM SPACE FOLLOWING HISTORIC, DROUGHT-ENDING RAINS
Here are some key facts about the natural spectacle.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, flowers bloom in Mussel Rock Park in Daly City, California, on April 1, 2024. Carpets of tiny, rain-fed wildflowers known as “superblooms” are appearing in parts of California and Arizona. Their arrival draws droves of visitors who stop to glimpse the flashes of color and pose for pictures. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)
WHAT’S A SUPERBLOOM?
Scientists don’t agree on any one definition. Across California and Arizona, there are stretches of desert that can quickly transform into dense fields of wildflowers, since seeds lie dormant in the soil and then germinate and blossom at around the same time.
A recent study found that such widespread blooms, which have been visible by satellite imagery in some years, take place after seasons with greater than 30% average precipitation, said Naomi Fraga, director of conservation programs at the California Botanic Garden, east of Los Angeles.
DOES THIS YEAR COUNT?
No, according to Fraga. That’s because there isn’t a huge diversity in the flowers that have blossomed in places like California’s Death Valley.
This year’s blooms aren’t as large or as dense as wildflowers in past years, she said.
“When I think of superblooms, I think of a bloom that is so extraordinary, that’s a once in a lifetime event,” Fraga said, adding that the wildflower display this year “still makes a beautiful show.”
Last spring, early April visitors to Southern California’s Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve were treated to dazzling orange displays of the state flower. But around the same time this year, the fields were absent of the orange blooms, with the reserve’s officials posting that the window for an impressive show was becoming “increasingly narrow.”
In Death Valley, one of the driest places on earth, stretches of desert are dotted with gold thanks to sunflowers that emerged after an especially wet winter and spring.
Whether that constitutes a superbloom is “really in the eye of the beholder,” said Evan Meyer, executive director of the California-based nonprofit Theodore Payne Foundation, which works to preserve California’s native plants.
WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?
April is typically the peak month for spring wildflowers, but in high-elevation places they can continue to blossom later into the spring.
Superblooms generally refer to low-elevation desert regions, Fraga said.
“It’s much more geographic than seasonal,” Meyer said. “Spring in the mountains hasn’t started, and in the low desert, it’s past its peak.”
When temperatures rise in the desert, the flowers can quickly dry out.
HOW DOES CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECT THE SUPERBLOOM?
Experts say it might be too soon to tell.
Climate change is making precipitation patterns more erratic, but the effects on wildflowers could play out over decades or even centuries, Fraga said, since seeds stay dormant in the soil for long periods of time.
Southern California received heavy rain last summer, unlike its usually dry summers, which she said probably stimulated flowers to germinate out of season. Winter temperatures also were higher than average, so many of them were able to stay in bloom through the spring season.
“That made for a very unusual bloom,” Fraga said.
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A controversial AT&T cell tower is coming to the San Francisco Diamond Heights neighborhood, despite community pushback.
Daniel Shereck, a resident and member of the Diamond Heights Community Association, helped lead the charge against its construction.
“Their proposal says they’ve got a large brown tower just about 10 stories tall,” Shereck said.
AT&T will install a 104-foot macro cell tower in the heart of the neighborhood, next to the San Francisco police academy, a local playground and nearby homes.
“It’s going to be enormous,” Shereck said.
The city approved the tower, despite opposition from Shereck and members of the Diamond Heights Community Association, who told CBS News Bay Area the tower is an unnecessary eyesore that poses wildfire and pollution risks.
“We’re really just asking AT&T to follow the alternatives that they have done elsewhere,” Shereck said.
But in a tense hearing before the Board of Supervisors, Cami Blackstone, director of external affairs for AT&T, argued there’s a significant need for the tower. She also says there is no evidence of wildfire or health risks, despite residents’ claims.
“I was very dispirited. I’m really concerned about the future of San Francisco,” Shereck said.
Shereck says the neighborhood will try to find some middle ground.
“Given what we can suggest at this point would probably be considering the color of the tower, covering up exposed wires, trying to make the antenna somewhat less obvious in the community,” Shereck said.
Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in LIBRA.
Happy Birthday for Wednesday, April 29, 2026:
You’re confident and determined in your approach to work. You’re reliable, optimistic, incisive and independent. This is a year of learning and teaching. Take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. Explore meditation, prayer or introspection. Study philosophies that give you a better self-awareness of your own potential.
ARIES
(March 21-April 19)
★★★
Today there’s a tendency to jump to conclusions – definitely something to be aware of. In particular, you might experience this when talking with family members, spouses or partners. Take a breath and create some space in the conversation. Go gently. Tonight: Genuinely listen.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20)
★★★★
Be patient with co-workers today. Likewise, resist the tendency to think something is better than it is. Nevertheless, this is a productive day for you and you can get a lot done, especially privately or working alone behind the scenes. Get busy. Tonight: Get organized.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20)
★★★
Parents must be patient with their kids today. Likewise, romantic partners must be patient with each other. If you’re involved in social outings and fun escapades (including sports) be careful of excess or going overboard. You might be too quick to jump the gun. Tonight: Socialize!
CANCER
(June 21-July 22)
★★★★
Keep the peace at home today even though dealings with parents and older family members might become challenging. In part, this might be because you’re ambitious and keen to get a lot done. In fact, you want things done your way and won’t hesitate to say so. Tonight: Relax.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22)
★★★
On the whole, this is a friendly, upbeat day. Nevertheless, you might get involved in an argument about politics, religion or racial issues. Steer clear of controversy, for your own peace of mind. Instead, enjoy relations with friends and groups. They will be friendly and supportive. Tonight: Learn and discuss.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
★★★★
Steer clear of disputes about money and possessions today, because this is basically a pleasant, friendly day. Others might ask for your advice about how to make something look better or be more attractive. Discussions about further education and travel will intrigue you. Tonight: Check your possessions.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
★★★
The Moon is in your sign today at odds with Jupiter and Mars, which can make you jump too quickly in the wrong direction or make an assumption that is off the mark. Be aware of this and refrain from doing so, if you can. Do something different today. This will please you. Tonight: You’re in charge.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
★★★
You’re very keen to work hard now and accomplish as much as possible. Unfortunately, you need more sleep. Be aware of this and do your best to balance your desire to work with your need for rest. Romance is passionate now. It’s also a favorable time to get favors and money from others. Ka-ching! Tonight: Privacy.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
★★★
Friendships are important to you today. However, be careful, because today the Moon is challenged by your own ruler Jupiter, which is why you might be tempted to promise more than you can deliver, especially to a friend, group or organization. Be sensible. Tonight: Friends.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
★★★
People notice you today. Be aware of this, especially because some people will know personal details about your private life. Perhaps this is because a public argument might take place. Also be aware that it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew. Don’t volunteer for anything. Tonight: Show respect.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
★★★★
Today is full of excitement and high energy. You want to do something different! You want to kick things up a notch. Travel, learning, new places and new faces will satisfy your search for adventure. Steer clear of controversy to avoid arguments. Tonight: Explore and learn.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20)
★★★★
It’s fortunate that you’re particularly skilled with your communications this month because this will allow you to dance delicately around any difficult situation that could turn into an argument, especially about money, shared costs or shared property. Instead, redecorate or entertain at home. Tonight: Check your finances.
BORN TODAY
Actress Michelle Pfeiffer (1958), actress Uma Thurman (1970), actress Kate Mulgrew (1955)
We haven’t been through The Junction in a few days so we don’t know how long this has been up, but this mural on the east side of the California/Erskine 7-Eleven caught our eye this evening, so we pulled over for a quick through-the-windshield pic. It bears both the Coca-Cola and 7-Eleven logos, so we’re pretty sure it’s official, though probably not part of the major Seattle World Cup mural project. (Seen other signs of World Cup mania-to-come in West Seattle? Let us know – thank you!)
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