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Clocks Fall Back This Weekend as Most of U.S. Returns to Standard Time

Federal law permits permanent standard time but requires Congress for year‑round daylight time.

Overview

  • The shift occurs at 2 a.m. local on Sunday, Nov. 2, moving clocks back one hour and bringing earlier sunrises and earlier sunsets; in San Diego the sun sets around 4:56 p.m., according to NOAA.
  • Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several U.S. territories do not observe the practice, and states may choose permanent standard time but cannot adopt permanent daylight time without congressional approval.
  • Lawmakers in roughly 35 states are weighing clock‑locking measures, including California, where a 2024 bill to institute year‑round standard time stalled after voters authorized pursuing a permanent change in 2018.
  • Sleep and medical experts say the switch can disrupt circadian rhythms and advise morning light exposure, consistent sleep schedules, screen limits in the evening, and skipping a Sunday lie‑in.
  • Officials recommend setting manual clocks before bed and using the time change to test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.