Support Us Button Widget

Will we always change the clock?

Daylight saving time has been around as early as 1918, and many legislators across the country are looking to change that.

The WRAL Azalea Garden

Don’t you love the City of Oaks in the spring?

Photo by RALtoday

It’s time to set the clock forward — daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. local time this Sunday, March 12.

So far, only two states opt out of daylight saving time (or DST) — Arizona and Hawaii — but changes could be on the horizon for our local clocks as well. Many states have made moves toward “year-round daylight saving time,” which would mean no longer changing the clocks twice a year (each spring and each fall) by permanently adjusting everyone’s time zone forward by one hour.

Want to learn more? You can read up on which states have introduced DST laws, bills, and resolutions, and see where permanent DST bills have failed. (Our state is on the list.)

So why are we still moving the clock? Well, federal law doesn’t yet allow permanent DST. So, even if the state approves, it’s up to Congress to set the clocks… so the DST debate is something we’ll have to sleep on.

For now, if you can’t remember which direction to set the clock, remember: Spring forward and fall back. Or, maybe we should make like the astronauts and tell time by the moon.

More from RALtoday
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great in the 919. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
Beer drinkers can rate brews all over the world on the popular app Untappd — here are some of Raleigh’s most popular beers. Don’t forget to save this one for lager.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
The new facility will expand the convention center’s downtown footprint + impact.
American humorist — and Raleigh native — is coming home for “An Evening with David Sedaris” at the Martin Marietta Center on April 18, 2026, and tickets are on sale now
Show some love to your fave businesses in Raleigh.
This apple sage vinaigrette from Whiskey Kitchen is perfect for any and all autumnal salads thanks to seasonal ingredients + easy prep.
Check out these 20+ yoga studios around the City of Oaks, which offer holistic wellness outside the studio, smoothies, international retreats, and more.
We’ve rounded up three apple + pumpkin orchards and three local cideries to check out this fall.
You already know your favorite stands for ham biscuits, hot donuts, and corn cobs, but we’re here to teach you something new about the North Carolina State Fair.