From Lonnie: Can you explain daylight savings time and when it ends this year?
I’ll try, but call it by its correct name: daylight saving time. Time is singular not plural.
The controversial practice was first conceived as an idea to help reduce the evening
use of heating oil, then later electricity. It was enacted in 1918 then repealed a year later,
only to be brought back during the World War II.
The Uniform Time Act of 1966 set up a nationwide standard of when to begin and end Daylight Saving time. Originally set up to begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October. In 2007, the length was extended to the current schedule.
Daylight saving time now begins at 2am on the 2nd Sunday in March and ends at 2am the first Sunday in November. This year that is November 1st . Next year it will end on Nov. 7th.
It is not observed in Hawaii and parts of Arizona. We use it as an opportunity to remind folks to change the batteries in their smoke detectors. Twice a year we use the familiar saying, “Spring Forward and Fall Back” as a way to remind folks which way to set the clocks. Technically it occurs at 2am, but I have yet to meet someone who stayed up that late to do it at the exact time
If you have a weather question for Dan, send it to: askdan@kjrh.com
