Time zone chaos in the US: the country will have to set clocks forward on March 8th, and many people could end up out of sync

Every year, millions of Americans gear up for the inevitable clock change that marks the start of Daylight Saving Time.

On Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 a.m. ET, clocks will jump forward one hour—skipping straight to 3:00 a.m. ET across most of the country. This annual ritual, known as Daylight Saving Time (DST), brings longer, brighter evenings but also a fair amount of confusion and disruption.

Analog devices must be manually reset

On paper, the process sounds simple. In practice, it rarely is. While most smartphones, computers, and internet‑connected devices update automatically, analog clocks and older appliances need to be changed manually. That’s when the chaos begins: flights booked at the wrong time, meetings that suddenly fall out of sync, alarms that don’t match the new hour, and text messages that appear to arrive “an hour late.”

Not every part of the United States participates, either. Hawaii, most of Arizona, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands stay on the same time year‑round, opting out of DST entirely and remaining out of sync with the rest of the country.

Time‑change turbulence across the U.S.

For many people, the shift means more than adjusting a clock—it means losing an hour of sleep. That lost hour can disrupt the routines of children, older adults, and anyone with a strict work schedule. Experts note that the first few days after the switch often bring grogginess, lower productivity, and a general sense of being off‑balance as the body adjusts.

Daylight Saving Time isn’t a modern invention. Although it originated in early 20th‑century energy‑saving efforts, it continues to spark debate today. Some argue it should be abolished altogether, while others defend the benefit of having more daylight in the evening.

Either way, on March 8, millions of Americans will once again experience firsthand how much difference a single hour can make in everyday life.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.