When Does Daylight Saving Time End in 2024? What You Need to Know
As fall approaches, it's time to prepare for the annual shift in our clocks. This year, daylight saving time (DST) will end on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 a.m. local time. This change means that we'll need to set our clocks back one hour, giving us an extra hour of sleep, but also marking the end of the daylight saving period for the year.
Daylight saving time is a practice that has been in place for decades, designed to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. The concept involves moving the clocks forward by one hour in the spring, allowing for more daylight in the evening, and then setting them back again in the fall. This practice is meant to reduce energy consumption, minimize traffic accidents, and lower crime rates by providing more daylight during the hours people are active.
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The Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized the observance of DST across the United States, establishing the start and end dates as the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November, respectively. According to the Department of Transportation, which oversees time zones and the implementation of DST, this shift is intended to conserve energy and make our days more productive by aligning our waking hours with daylight.
However, not all states and territories follow daylight saving time. Hawaii and Arizona, with the exception of the Navajo Nation, do not observe DST. Similarly, U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands also remain on standard time throughout the year. These regions either experience minimal variation in daylight throughout the year or have specific needs that make DST impractical.
Interestingly, the idea of daylight saving time dates back to the 18th century. Benjamin Franklin is often credited with suggesting the concept in a 1784 essay as a way to save on candle usage. Yet, it wasn't until the early 20th century that DST was seriously considered and implemented. The modern version of DST was influenced by figures like William Willett, a British builder, and was formalized by entomologist George Hudson, who proposed the two-hour shift to enjoy more daylight for his bug hunting.
In Ohio, a recent legislative push aimed to make daylight saving time permanent, known as the Sunshine Protection Act. While the bill, introduced in 2023, did not pass in Congress, it reflects ongoing discussions about whether the biannual clock changes should be eliminated. Proponents argue that permanent DST would offer more daylight in the evenings, potentially improving mental health and economic activity. However, this change would require federal approval, which has yet to be granted.
As we prepare to "fall back" in November, it’s a good reminder of the ongoing debate about the relevance and benefits of daylight saving time. Whether you look forward to the extra hour of sleep or dread the darker evenings, understanding the purpose and history of DST helps us appreciate the rhythms of our timekeeping practices.
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