Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday

Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local time, when clocks will "spring forward" one hour to 3:00 a.m. This marks the start of longer evening daylight and the end of Standard Time for the year.

Key Details:

• Start Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. (clocks move forward to 3:00 a.m.).
• End Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. (clocks "fall back" to 1:00 a.m.).
• Purpose: To extend daylight hours in the evening during warmer months, originally introduced during World War I to conserve energy.
• Exceptions: Hawaii and most of Arizona (excluding the Navajo Nation) do not observe DST.

Safety Tips:

• Use the time change to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check your emergency kit and inspect heating sources ahead of winter.

Daylight Saving Time, a practice first introduced during World War I to conserve energy, has remained a topic of debate over the years. Supporters argue that it reduces energy consumption and allows for more daylight during the evening hours, promoting outdoor activities and potentially reducing crime rates. However, critics point to potential negative effects on health, including disruptions to sleep patterns and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The timing of Daylight Saving Time has changed several times throughout history. From 1987 through 2006, DST began on the first weekend in April and ended on the last weekend in October. In 2007, the start and end dates shifted again, with DST beginning on the second Sunday in March and ending on the first Sunday in November, which remains the schedule today.

Despite ongoing discussions, most states in the U.S. continue to observe Daylight Saving Time, with a few exceptions such as Hawaii and most of Arizona (excluding the Navajo Nation). In recent years, there have been proposals at both state and federal levels to eliminate the time change or make DST permanent, but no definitive changes have been enacted.

As we prepare to move our clocks forward this Sunday, it is also a good opportunity to check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as recommended by fire safety experts. For those who struggle with the time change, experts suggest gradually adjusting sleep schedules in the days leading up to DST to help ease the transition.