Daylight Saving Time: Can you feel it? The days are getting shorter, and that means it’s almost time for the clocks to “fall back.” On Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, we will once again set our clocks back by one hour, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time. This change brings earlier sunsets and what can feel like very long winter nights.
When Do the Clocks ‘Fall Back?’
Daylight Saving Time has been giving us longer days since March, but as the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end.” On November 3rd, at 2 a.m., the clocks will officially fall back one hour. This means that instead of 2 a.m., the clock will read 1 a.m., giving everyone an extra hour of sleep.
The Impact on Daylight
In Cleveland, and across Northeast Ohio, the length of daylight has been getting shorter since June 20th. As we get closer to the end of Daylight Saving Time, the rate at which we lose daylight increases. Currently, Northeast Ohio is losing about 2 minutes of daylight each day, and this will continue until September 22nd.
After Daylight Saving Time ends, the days will feel noticeably shorter. For example, in mid-December, the sun will set as early as 4:58 p.m. in Cleveland. The shortest day of the year will be the Winter Solstice on December 20th, with only 9 hours and 13 minutes of daylight.
Important Sunset Milestones
As the days get shorter, there are several key sunset milestones to keep in mind:
- Last 7 p.m. Sunset: October 6th, 2024
- Last 6 p.m. Sunset: November 2nd, 2024
- Clocks Fall Back: November 3rd, 2024
- Last 5 p.m. Sunset: November 26th, 2024 (The 5 p.m. sunset will return on December 19th, 2024)
These milestones mark the gradual transition from longer days to the shorter, darker days of winter.
Why Do We Change the Clocks?
Daylight Saving Time was originally created to make better use of daylight during the warmer months. By shifting the clocks forward in the spring, we get longer evenings with more daylight. However, as winter approaches, the days naturally get shorter, and Daylight Saving Time ends. This return to standard time is what we refer to as “falling back.”
The Debate Over Daylight Saving Time
In recent years, there has been a growing push to stop the twice-yearly clock change. Many people find the time change disruptive, as it can affect sleep patterns and overall well-being. Despite this, the effort to end Daylight Saving Time hasn’t gained enough momentum in Ohio.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and other experts argue that staying on standard time year-round would be better for public health. They believe that the current system of switching between Daylight Saving Time and standard time can lead to negative effects on mood, performance, and even safety.
Looking on the Bright Side
While some may dread the early sunsets that come with the end of Daylight Saving Time, there is a bright side. The night the clocks fall back, we get an extra hour of sleep! This can be a welcome relief for those who need a little extra rest.
Additionally, the early sunsets provide an extended opportunity to enjoy the holiday season. With the sun setting earlier, it’s the perfect time to turn on those Christmas lights and enjoy the festive glow that comes with the winter months.
What’s Next?
After the clocks fall back on November 3rd, we will remain on standard time until the spring of 2025. Daylight Saving Time will begin again on March 9th, 2025, when the clocks will “spring forward” one hour.
Until then, enjoy the cozy, longer nights and make the most of the extra hour of sleep. And don’t forget to set your clocks back on November 3rd!
