Lotus flower season - a little bit early this year?

I saw my first lotus flower of the season yesterday in Kawagoe, pictured. The lotus flowers at this temple usually don't bloom until July. So, it was a nice surprise to see some blooming beautifully already. I have also noticed several posts on social media of lotus flowers in bloom around the Kanto plain, a little earlier than normal. 

However, Kodai Hasu no Sato (information here or see review section) always start their official lotus flower viewing period around this time of year, so in that sense it's not too early to see them. I have not yet been to Kodai Hasu no Sato yet this year, so I don't know if they also bloomed a bit earlier than normal too. You can see them there until around early August. 

Have you seen any lotus flowers blooming yet this year? Do they seem to be earlier than usual or in line with an average year?