With the arrival of spring looming on the horizon, it's almost time for millions of Americans to 'spring forward' once again as Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins on March 9, 2025, at 2:00 AM local time. This seasonal clock change provides extra daylight during the evening hours, offering chances for more outdoor activities after work and school.
Daylight Saving Time is observed across the United States except for Hawaii and most of Arizona. Under this practice, clocks are set forward one hour every spring and turned back one hour every fall, allowing for longer summer evenings. For 2025, this means as the clocks adjust, dawn will break at around 7:10 AM, and sunset will not occur until 6:47 PM, immediately providing those bright evening hours.
Historically, the idea of DST is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who humorously purported the concept of waking earlier to save on candle use. Germany first implemented DST during World War I as a means to conserve energy, which was soon followed by other countries including the United States. Notably, the U.S. instituted DST during WWI and it became federal law with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which standardized the practice across the states.
Despite its historical intent to save energy and provide more evening daylight, DST has garnered criticism over the years. Many contend the time change is disruptive, leading to sleep deprivation and various health issues. Public opinion remains somewhat divided; according to several surveys, including one reported by the Chicago Tribune, 40% of Americans support eliminating the time changes altogether.
Beyond individual sentiments, legislatures are grappling with the future of DST. Recent discussions have led to proposals such as the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to make DST permanent. This bill, which passed the Senate effortlessly in 2022, has yet to be addressed by the House of Representatives. The goal of the bill is to stop the biannual clock shifts, which supporters argue would benefit health, safety, and productivity.
“The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time... very costly to our Nation,” stated former President Donald Trump on Truth Social, expressing his disdain for the twice-yearly time changes and reflecting broader sentiments about DST being outdated.
While many states have been considering legislation to opt-out of DST, others are pushing to adopt year-round DST. States like Florida, Georgia, and Maine are among the proponents favoring permanent DST, echoing the frustrations of their constituents facing biannual time changes.
On the ground, communities bracing for the effects of the upcoming DST change are getting ready. For many regions, this transition signifies the promise of spring and summer, brightening evening skies, and lengthier days full of activities. Cities like Toronto and Calgary have their sunset timings eagerly anticipated, where the day lengthens significantly with the upcoming clock shift.
For example, Toronto is set to experience its first sunset after 7 PM just after DST begins. Reports highlight the community feedback, with some residents expressing excitement for the ever-expanding daylight. “It's about time we have more sunlight for longer evenings,” said one Toronto resident.
It's worth mentioning, though, not everybody is thrilled about the transition. Some studies suggest increased accidents and health-related issues following the switch as people adjust. Experts recommend preparing proactively for the change by sticking to regular sleep schedules and minimizing caffeine and alcohol intake before bedtime to ease the adjustment.
Another noteworthy discussion is the examination of time zones during DST. While most of the U.S. observes the practice, not every state partakes; for example, Arizona and Hawaii remain on standard time all year round. Interestingly, the Navajo Nation within Arizona does observe DST, leading to occasional confusions about time across the borders.
This year’s DST end will occur on November 2, 2025. But as it stands, for 2025, March 9 will momentarily steal away one precious hour of sleep, raising the question for many: will we ever officially say goodbye to DST? The conversations continue as Americans await the effects of the upcoming time change, balancing their hopes for more daylight against the fact of one less hour of sleep.
Looking at the duality of opinions surrounding Daylight Saving Time shows just how divided consensus remains on this centuries-old tradition. Whether viewed as beneficial or burdensome, the upcoming transition promises to turn the clock on another season of longer days filled with sunlight — making it time to hop on board the yearly clock change for yet another adventure!