Daylight Saving Time (DST) is drawing to a close this weekend, with the clocks set to roll back on November 5, 2023, at 2 AM local time in Minnesota, as well as across most of the United States.
The tradition of adjusting the clocks, moving them forward by an hour in the spring and backward in the fall, has a rich history in the United States.
DST in the US has been in effect since Minnesota first adopted it in 1967 following the implementation of the Uniform Time Act.
It’s important to note that states have the option to opt out of DST.
Presently, Hawaii and the majority of Arizona do not participate in this time adjustment.
Minnesota has adhered to the federal daylight saving schedule, commencing DST on the second Sunday in March and concluding it on the first Sunday in November.
The biannual clock changes have ignited discussions about potential health and safety concerns linked to disruptions in people’s circadian rhythms.
Debate surrounds the discontinuation of DST, with recent Congressional efforts to pass legislation in favor of making DST a permanent fixture across the nation.
While the Sunshine Protection Act has gained Senate approval, it has faced obstacles in the House due to differing views on maintaining standard time or permanent DST.
Supporters of permanent DST argue it would provide more daylight in the evenings, stimulating economic activity, while opponents contend that permanent standard time better aligns with human internal body clocks.
However, it’s unlikely that any federal action will be taken before the end of DST this weekend.
What to Anticipate in Minnesota this Weekend:
This Sunday, at 2 AM, Minnesotans will turn their clocks back by one hour, in sync with the rest of the country. As a result, sunset will occur earlier, at around 5:15 PM, while sunrise will happen earlier, around 7 AM.
The time change often coincides with the arrival of the first snowfalls in Minnesota, necessitating vigilance from drivers due to earlier sunsets and potential slippery road conditions on Sunday evening.
Additionally, there’s an increased risk of deer collisions during this time of year.
The time adjustment typically leads to some confusion, particularly regarding school and work start times and transportation schedules.
Despite the ongoing debate over biannual time changes, Americans should remember to “fall back” this weekend and enjoy an extra hour of sleep on Sunday as daylight saving time comes to a close.
