As summer draws to a close, we still have several weeks before we adjust our clocks for the end of daylight saving time. This annual change brings shifts in daylight that can affect our daily routines.
Daylight saving time in 2024 will officially end on Sunday, November 3rd at 2 a.m., at which point we will set our clocks back one hour, gaining an extra hour of sleep. This adjustment marks the beginning of shorter days with earlier sunsets, which may impact our day-to-day activities.
Key Details About the End of Daylight Saving Time
- Date and time of the change: Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024. At that moment, the clock will be set back one hour.
- Duration of daylight saving time: This year, daylight saving time began on March 10th and will conclude on November 3rd, completing a total of 238 days.
- Impact on natural light: As we approach the winter solstice on December 21st, the amount of daily sunlight will continue to decrease.
Changes in Sunrise and Sunset Times in November
On November 2nd, just before the time change, the sunrise in New Jersey will be around 7:29 a.m., with sunset at approximately 5:53 p.m. However, the following day, after the adjustment, sunrise will occur at 6:30 a.m., but sunset will come earlier, at 4:52 p.m. This means that many people will be returning home from work in the dark, although they will experience more daylight during their morning commute.
The History and Evolution of Daylight Saving Time
The concept of daylight saving time has a history spanning over a century. It was first proposed by English architect William Willett in 1907, who suggested adjusting clocks to make better use of natural daylight. However, the idea of utilizing daylight more efficiently has even older roots, tracing back to Benjamin Franklin, who in 1784 proposed a tax on those who did not take advantage of sunlight.
In the United States, the time change was formalized with the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Since then, there have been several modifications, the most recent of which took effect in 2007, establishing daylight saving time from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
States and Territories That Do Not Observe Daylight Saving Time
Not all U.S. states and territories observe daylight saving time. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not make this adjustment, nor do the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, Indiana did not begin observing daylight saving time until 2006.
- States without daylight saving time: Hawaii, Arizona (partially).
- Territories without daylight saving time: Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Future of Daylight Saving Time
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to make daylight saving time permanent. Eighteen states have enacted laws to this effect, although implementing these changes requires federal approval. In March 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which proposes ending the twice-yearly time changes, but the House of Representatives has yet to vote on it.
Daylight saving time is observed in approximately 70 countries, including much of North America, Europe, and parts of South America and New Zealand. However, major nations like China, Japan, and India do not follow this practice.
This topic remains a subject of debate, and we can expect to see further discussions in the coming years about the viability and future of daylight saving time.