As the end of daylight saving time (DST) is nearing, millions of Americans are getting ready for the twice-a-year practice of changing the time on their clocks. This practice, which was introduced in order to optimize the use of daylight during the summer months, has been a topic of discussion for a while.
However, not all states and territories follow this practice, which results in inconsistent time management throughout the country. In this article, we will find out when daylight saving time will end in 2024. We will also talk about which states and territories do not follow it and the reasons behind these exceptions.
Why do we change the time every semester?
The daylight savings time was introduced during the First World War in an attempt to save energy by having the daylight last longer in the evenings. The concept was that if the clock was moved ahead in the spring, people would be able to work in the daylight for an additional hour which in turn would help save energy used in lighting. This practice was renewed during the Second World War and has become widespread in many countries, including the United States.
However, DST has long been controversial. It has been criticized for disturbing sleep cycles, creating disorientation, and providing minimal energy conservation in today’s world. However, DST remains to be observed in most of the U.S. states with the clocks being forwarded in March and backward in November.
States and Territories That Do Not Observe Daylight Saving Time
Some of the U.S. states and territories do not practice DST. Some have decided that they do not want to participate in the change at all. They remain on standard time the whole year through. This decision is usually made depending on the region, culture and regional practices.
- Hawaii: Hawaii does not have DST because it is near the equator and has equal hours of day light and darkness throughout the year. The state does not feel that there is any advantage in moving the clocks.
- Arizona: Some parts of Arizona do not observe DST while others do, including the Navajo Nation which is located across Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. The rest of Arizona remains on standard time all year round to avoid the high temperatures during the summer evenings.
- U.S. Territories: Some of the U.S. territories also do not observe DST. These are; Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Like Hawaii, these regions have minimal changes in daylight hours and thus have no reason to change their clocks.
When daylight saving time ends in 2024, one has to consider the different approaches in the United States. Although the majority of the states shall adjust their clocks backward on November 3rd, some have decided to observe standard time. Knowing the reasons behind these decisions can help to explain the ongoing discussion regarding the effectiveness of daylight saving time and how it affects our lives.
Which U.S. States Do Not Observe Daylight Saving Time?
Hawaii and most of Arizona do not follow daylight saving time. Also, some other US territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands also do not participate.
Why Do Some States Choose Not to Observe DST?
Some of the major reasons include:
- The hours of daylight remain fairly constant throughout the year.
- It helps to escape very high temperatures in the evening.
- People prefer to have consistent and regular timing schedules throughout the year.
Can a State Choose to Stay on DST Permanently?
While states can opt out of daylight saving time, federal law currently requires congressional approval for states to remain on daylight saving time year-round. Some states have passed legislation to stay on DST permanently, but these laws have yet to take effect.
