As the days grow longer and the promise of spring beckons, the countdown to Daylight Saving Time 2025 has begun. In less than two weeks, on Sunday, March 9, clocks across the nation will “spring forward” one hour at 2 a.m. The shifting of time marks the start of a new season, with the sun setting at around 5:58 p.m. in New Jersey on the eve of the time change.
The transition to Daylight Saving Time brings with it a shift in our daily rhythms. As we bid farewell to standard time, the sun will set an hour later on March 9, lingering until roughly 6:58 p.m. However, the trade-off comes with a delayed sunrise, pushing the first light of day to around 7:19 a.m. compared to the earlier dawn at 6:21 a.m. the day before.
Amidst the changing of the clocks, the arrival of spring waits just around the corner on Thursday, March 20, at 5:01 a.m. The gradual lengthening of daylight hours in New Jersey is a welcome sign of the season’s renewal, with the sun setting later each day. In South Jersey, the sun bids adieu just past 5:45 p.m. during the final days of February, while in North Jersey, the twilight descends a few minutes earlier.
When does Daylight Saving Time end in 2025?
The annual ritual of Daylight Saving Time, often mistakenly referred to as Daylight Savings Time, follows a set pattern each year. In 2025, the time shift will come to an end on November 2 at 2 a.m., marking the conclusion of this year’s daylight-saving period. This timeline adheres to the tradition of beginning Daylight Saving Time on the second Sunday in March and wrapping up on the first Sunday in November.
This practice of adjusting the clocks to maximize daylight hours traces its origins back to 1918 when the U.S. first implemented Daylight Saving Time as a measure to conserve fuel resources. Initially introduced during World War II, the concept of daylight saving was reactivated to aid energy conservation efforts. The U.S. embraced year-round Daylight Saving Time during the war, known as War Time, from February 1942 until September 1945, coinciding with Japan’s surrender.
In a bid to streamline the practice across the nation and reduce confusion, President Nixon signed the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act in 1973, making Daylight Saving Time a permanent fixture in the U.S. However, this decision was short-lived, as the law was repealed less than a year later.
Which states do not observe Daylight Saving Time?
Not all states adhere to the annual ritual of Daylight Saving Time. Hawaii and most of Arizona have chosen to forgo the time change, as have U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The state of Indiana only began observing Daylight Saving Time in 2006, aligning with the majority of the country in the practice.
Despite the widespread observance of Daylight Saving Time, a growing movement seeks to make this adjustment a permanent fixture. Nineteen states have passed legislation to make Daylight Saving Time year-round, with California voters authorizing the move towards a continuous time system. However, such changes necessitate federal approval, adding a layer of complexity to the process.
In a bid to bring about a more permanent solution to the clock-changing conundrum, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act in March 2022, aiming to abolish the biannual time adjustments. Yet, the U.S. House of Representatives has yet to vote on the proposed legislation, leaving the fate of Daylight Saving Time in limbo.
As the debate over the merits of Daylight Saving Time continues, one question lingers in the minds of many: Does the practice actually conserve energy? Despite claims to the contrary, studies have shown that the energy savings resulting from Daylight Saving Time are minimal. A 2008 study by the U.S. Department of Energy revealed that the extended daylight hours in 2005 led to a mere 0.5% reduction in daily electricity usage and a negligible 0.3% decrease over the course of the year.
As we prepare to turn our clocks forward and embrace the coming of spring, the age-old tradition of Daylight Saving Time continues to spark discussion and debate. Whether you’re a fervent supporter of the practice or a staunch opponent, the annual ritual of adjusting our clocks serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of time and the enduring quest to make the most of our daylight hours.