The Best Thing About the Time Change in New York State
We set the clocks one hour ahead on March 8 here in New York State. For many of us who are sick and tired of the long, cold winter, this feels like a true turning point. It does not necessarily mean we will immediately get spring weather, but there are some real positives to look forward to as we begin to turn the corner.
Have you had enough of winter?
There has been an incredible amount of snowfall in portions of New York State this season. Some areas have already exceeded their annual average snowfall by a wide margin. Communities southeast and east of the Great Lakes have been pounded with snow since late October. While a few regions are closer to average totals, many New Yorkers are more than ready to move on.
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The good news? The end is in sight. The first official day of spring arrives on March 20, and it sounds like Punxsutawney Phil may have been accurate once again with his prediction this year.
But before spring officially arrives, March 8 is a date many New Yorkers are looking forward to as we “spring forward.”
Longer Evenings Are Finally Here in New York
When we move the clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time, there is one big benefit that stands out: more daylight in the evening.
For those who work late afternoons and normally drive home in the dark, things will suddenly feel a lot brighter. Right now, sunsets are happening around 6:30 p.m. Once we spring forward, sunset will move closer to 7:30 p.m. and beyond as March continues.
That is great news for families who sit down to dinner after 5 p.m. No more complete darkness on the ride home from work. Across New York State, that extra hour of daylight can make a big difference in mood and energy.
More Time Outside With the Kids
One of the best parts of Daylight Saving Time is the ability to enjoy the longer afternoons.
It is always nice getting home from work and being able to head outside with the kids. On warmer days, we have already managed to get out and play a little catch in the driveway. We try to stay active throughout the winter, but there is something special about having extra daylight after dinner.
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A sunset game of catch just feels different in March. The air starts to soften, the snowbanks begin shrinking, and you can almost feel spring around the corner. As temperatures slowly begin to rise, those longer evenings become something families across Western New York truly look forward to.
The One Drawback: Losing an Hour of Sleep
Of course, there is one downside to springing forward, we lose an hour of sleep.
For families with little ones, that can be a challenge. Parents know that bedtime routines do not always adjust easily. The weekend we set the clocks ahead often brings a few tough mornings.
Now is a good time to start preparing. Gradually adjusting bedtime by 10 to 15 minutes earlier in the days leading up to March 8 can make the transition smoother. While the lost hour can sting at first, many feel the extra daylight is well worth it.
A Good Reminder for Safety in New York Homes
The time change is also a perfect reminder to check important safety items around your home.
When you set your clocks ahead, take a few minutes to:
- Check smoke alarm batteries
- Test carbon monoxide detectors
- Replace any outdated batteries
- Review emergency plans
As we transition into spring, it is also a great time to start organizing and preparing for warmer weather. For many New Yorkers, the longer sunsets bring a burst of motivation for spring cleaning and getting the house back in order.
Don’t Forget to Set Your Clocks Ahead on March 8
Before heading to bed on Saturday night, March 8, remember to set your clocks ahead one hour.
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We spring forward, and with any luck, Mother Nature will follow right along with warmer temperatures and brighter days. After a long winter across New York State, the extra daylight is a welcome sign that better weather — and more time outside with family, is on the way.