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
Agricultural Considerations
Farmers in Washington 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 Washington
Recent studies on energy consumption during DST in Washington 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.
Historical Context
- The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the system of uniform Daylight Saving Time throughout the US.
- The European Union voted to end DST in 2019, but implementation has been delayed.
- DST was extended in the US in 2007, adding 4 weeks to the DST period.
Tips for Washington Residents
Check and replace smoke detector batteries when changing clocks - it's a good reminder!
Remember that not all countries change on the same date - check international meeting times carefully.
Set your clocks before going to bed to avoid confusion in the morning.
Take advantage of the 'extra' hour in fall to catch up on sleep or tackle a project.
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.