The Time Change: What You Need to Know

The start of Daylight Savings Time occurs twice a year, which lends more confusion to the subject. This article will unpack everything you need to know about how and when the time changes in the US.

How and Why We Change Time

Daylight Savings Time, or DST, was established as a way to save energy by making the most of the daylight hours in all areas of the United States. When clocks are moved forward one hour, we gain an hour of daylight in the evening, while losing an hour of daylight in the morning.

The switch to Daylight Savings Time and back to Standard Time is regulated by the US Department of Transportation, and they have adopted the policy of switching to DST on the second Sunday of March and back to Standard Time on the first Sunday in November, making the time difference 6 months.

When Do The Time Changes Occur?

When DST is in effect, clocks are adjusted in one-hour jumps, so in March, the clocks move an hour forward and in November, the clocks move back an hour. In 2019, the clocks moved forward on March 10th at 2 am, and the clocks will move back on November 3rd at 2am.

When to Adjust Your Clocks

If you’re living in the United States it’s important to change your clocks for both the spring forward and fall back time changes. Adjusting your clocks and any other time-keeping devices you have in your home like alarm clocks and timers will ensure that you’re living in synchronized time.

Conclusion

Understanding when the time changes in the US and how it affects you, your family and your daily routine, is very important. Knowing when you should move your clocks forwards 1 hour and when you should move your clocks back 1 hour will help ensure you’re staying on schedule and making the most of your daylight hours in the United States.