Daylight Saving Time officially began across most of the United States early Sunday morning, as clocks were moved forward by one hour at 2 a.m. The annual time change means millions of Americans lost an hour of sleep but will enjoy longer daylight hours in the evenings.
The seasonal time adjustment is part of the country’s Daylight Saving Time practice, which aims to make better use of natural daylight during the warmer months. Since 2007, Daylight Saving Time has started on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.
Sunrise and Sunset Times Shift in Boston
According to the National Weather Service, the time change also affected sunrise and sunset schedules. In Boston, before the clocks changed, the sun rose at 6:09 a.m. and set at 5:41 p.m.
After the clocks moved forward on Sunday, sunrise now occurs later at 7:08 a.m., while sunset shifts to 6:42 p.m. This adjustment provides extended evening daylight, which many people welcome for outdoor activities and longer evenings after work.
Why Daylight Saving Time Matters
Daylight Saving Time was introduced to make better use of daylight during spring and summer months. By shifting the clock forward by an hour, evenings have more sunlight, which can help reduce electricity consumption and encourage outdoor activities.
However, the time change often disrupts sleep schedules for many people, which is why the start of Daylight Saving Time is commonly associated with losing an hour of rest.
When Daylight Saving Time Ends in 2026
In 2026, Daylight Saving Time will last 238 days. It will officially end at 2 a.m. on November 1, when clocks will be set back by one hour as the United States returns to standard time.
Although the time change remains a routine event every year, debates continue in the US about whether the country should permanently adopt standard time or Daylight Saving Time.