Daylight Saving Time initially began during World War One to conserve resources/energy for the war efforts. DST has a similar purpose now as it leads to extra daylight during the Spring & Summer months...and is still looked at as an energy saver. It use to begin in April and end in October. However, in 2007...the timing of Daylight Saving was extended a total of one month as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. So, now, Daylight Saving Time begins in March and ends in November.
Specifically, Daylight Saving time will end this year at 2am on November 4th. At that time, our clocks will need to be set back 1 hour to standard time. This set back in time is great the first night because we get an extra hour of sleep. However, on the flip side, that means the sun will set earlier in the evening...leading to a longer night (or more hours of evening darkness). This is not favored by many because by December...it's already dark by the time many folks get off work in the late afternoon.
It's important to note that our government doesn't require a state or U.S territory to participate in Daylight Saving Time. As a matter of fact, currently Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands (to name a few) don't participate.
Meteorologist Deitra Tate
