Quick Answer: 2026 Time Change Dates
At 2:00 AM, clocks will spring forward to 3:00 AM
At 2:00 AM, clocks will fall back to 1:00 AM
Countdown to Next Time Change
Economic Impact of DST in Maryland
The economic implications of Daylight Saving Time in Maryland are significant and multifaceted. Retail businesses often report increased sales during DST months due to extended evening daylight hours, which encourages shopping and dining out. The tourism and recreation industries particularly benefit, with golf courses, theme parks, and other outdoor venues seeing revenue increases of up to 8%.
However, the transition periods create temporary disruptions. Studies estimate that the Monday following the spring time change results in approximately $437 million in lost productivity nationwide due to sleep deprivation and adjustment issues.
Health Considerations for Maryland Residents
Medical research has revealed important health impacts of time changes in Maryland. The spring forward transition is associated with a 9% increase in heart attacks during the first three days after the change. Car accidents also spike by approximately 8% on the Monday following the spring time change.
Historical Context
- Russia experimented with permanent DST from 2011-2014 before switching to permanent standard time.
- Daylight Saving Time was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 as a way to conserve candles.
- The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the system of uniform Daylight Saving Time throughout the US.
Agricultural Considerations
Farmers in Maryland have historically had mixed feelings about DST. While the original justification for DST included giving farmers more daylight hours, modern farming practices rely heavily on the sun's position rather than clock time. Dairy farmers particularly note that cows don't adjust their biological clocks, creating temporary disruptions in milking schedules.
Energy Consumption Patterns in Maryland
Recent studies on energy consumption during DST in Maryland show modest savings of approximately 0.8% in electricity usage. However, these savings are offset by increased gasoline consumption as people take advantage of extended daylight for travel and recreation. The net energy impact remains a subject of ongoing research and debate among policy makers.
Tips for Maryland Residents
Gradually adjust your sleep schedule a few days before the time change to minimize disruption.
Consider the time change when scheduling meetings with people in other time zones.
Set your clocks before going to bed to avoid confusion in the morning.
Remember that not all countries change on the same date - check international meeting times carefully.
Why do we change clocks?
Daylight Saving Time was implemented to make better use of daylight during summer months, theoretically saving energy and providing more evening daylight for activities.
Do all states observe DST?
No, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Some territories also opt out of the time change.
Is DST being eliminated?
While there have been various proposals to eliminate DST, as of 2026, most regions continue to observe the biannual time change.