Why Are We Still Changing Our Clocks for Daylight Saving Time?
America continues to change its clocks twice a year, a tradition known as daylight saving time. Except for Hawaii and Arizona, all states will move their clocks an hour back on Sunday, November 2. At 1 a.m., time will automatically shift backward, marking the end of daylight saving time as we "fall back" by setting clocks before bedtime on Saturday.
Shortening Daylight Hours
Since the Summer Solstice, the daylight hours in the northern hemisphere have been steadily shrinking, signaling the approach of the darkest days of the year. In San Diego, for example, the sun will set as early as 4:56 p.m. on November 2, and by Thanksgiving Day, November 27, sunset will come even earlier at 4:43 p.m.
"The hours of sunlight have been steadily shrinking since the Summer Solstice (the first official day of summer)."
The days will continue to shorten until the Winter Solstice on December 21, the shortest day and longest night of the year. On that day, the sun will set as early as 4:47 p.m., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Tips for Enjoying the Sun
If you love sunlight, take time to enjoy the morning rays when the sun rises at 6:07 a.m. around early November. Keep in mind that the combination of early sunsets and a carbohydrate-rich Thanksgiving meal might encourage deep sleep during this time.
"The Winter Solstice, Dec. 21, is known as the shortest day and the longest night of the year."
What Would It Take to End the Tradition?
Ending the time change tradition would require legislative action at the state or national level to make daylight saving time permanent, but as of now, it remains a biannual ritual across most of the United States.
Author’s summary: Despite shorter daylight hours in winter, most states continue the semiannual clock change, with daylight saving time ending as a cultural tradition requiring legal changes to stop.