Daylight Saving Time (DST) is coming soon. Clocks will move forward one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025. This yearly change signals the end of standard time and brings longer, brighter evenings.
In New Jersey, the sun will set at about 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, but on Sunday, March 9, it will set at 7 p.m. The downside is that mornings are getting darker, with the sun rising at 6:18 a.m. on Saturday and at 7:16 a.m. on Sunday.
DST started during World War I to save fuel. It came back during World War II for the same reasons. In 1966, the Uniform Time Act created a standard time for Daylight Saving Time across the country, but it also gave states the option to not follow it. Today, Hawaii, most of Arizona, and U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Guam do not follow Daylight Saving Time (DST).
In recent years, there has been more discussion about making Daylight Saving Time permanent. The Sunshine Protection Act was proposed in 2022 to stop changing the clocks twice a year, but it did not get approved by Congress. Still, 19 states have shown they want permanent Daylight Saving Time.
Supporters point out advantages such as longer daylight in the evenings and possible improvements to local businesses. However, research shows that the energy savings are small, which was a main reason for starting Daylight Saving Time.
As the days get longer, the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST) also means that spring is coming. This year, the season starts at 11:06 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Enjoy the longer days, and do not forget to set your clocks forward on Sunday, March 9, to make the most of the brighter evenings.
