Americans Prepare for Extra Hour as Annual Time Change Approaches
As Americans prepare for their annual ritual of clock adjustment, this weekend marks the end of daylight saving time (DST), bringing both an extra hour of sleep and earlier sunsets across most of the nation.
When does daylight saving time end?
The transition occurs early Sunday morning, November 3, when clocks will strike 1 a.m. twice, effectively giving Americans a bonus hour as we “fall back” to standard time. Unlike spring’s forward jump that skips the 2 o’clock hour entirely, this autumn change grants that coveted extra hour of rest.
The practice of daylight saving time has a rich and sometimes controversial history in American life. Established by the Standard Time Act in 1918, the initiative aimed to maximize daylight hours during summer months. After a brief repeal in 1919, it was reinstated during World War II (1942-1945) before becoming standardized nationwide through the Uniform Time Act of 1966.
Since 2007, the U.S. has followed a consistent schedule: DST begins on March’s second Sunday and concludes on November’s first Sunday. Looking ahead to 2025, the cycle will repeat with DST starting March 9 and ending November 2.
Are there any states that don’t observe?
Not all Americans participate in this biannual ritual. Hawaii and most of Arizona stand apart as the only U.S. states that maintain standard time year-round, having opted out under provisions allowing for local exemptions.
Global perspective
The United States isn’t alone in this practice. The Northern Hemisphere, particularly Europe and North America, largely observes some version of “summer time.” However, according to the Pew Research Center, the global trend is shifting – only about a third of all countries currently observe DST, down from approximately half in previous years.
Future of time changes
Change may be on the horizon. In March 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, proposing to make daylight saving time permanent and eliminate the need for biannual clock adjustments. However, the legislation’s ultimate fate remains uncertain.
What to expect
As standard time returns, Americans should prepare for earlier sunsets and darker evenings, a pattern that will persist until spring brings the return of daylight saving time. This natural rhythm of shorter days will continue as we progress through the late fall and winter months.
The persistence of this time-changing tradition, despite the ongoing debate about its necessity, remains a uniquely shared American experience that connects us twice yearly in the collective act of adjusting our clocks.