It’s that time of year again when the clocks go forward, marking the tradition of Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the UK.
This annual occurrence means we’ll lose an hour of sleep but gain more daylight in the evenings, and the reality of sleep deprivation can be a harsh one as we adjust to this time change, but it’s a great trade-off in the long run. The clocks go back on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 2 am.
The transition to BST will occur on Sunday, March 31, 2024, and this happens every year on the last Sunday of March.
The start of BST means that the sun will rise earlier, extending the daylight hours and allowing the sun to set as late as 9.20 pm on the longest day of the year. In 2024, the summer solstice will take place on Thursday, June 20th, marking the longest day with an average of 16 hours of daylight.
The main reason for changing the clocks to make use of DST is to save energy and make use of natural sunlight, which benefits our environment and helps to lower electricity bills.
It’s no surprise that it’s a welcome change for many people, even if it means sacrificing an hour of sleep.
The UK must keep in sync with the other 70 countries that observe DST, including North America and every country in Europe, so the transitions will remain standardized, helping everyone to adjust seamlessly to the time changes.
So, as the clocks prepare to go forward and make the most of the longer days, we can look forward to an increase in daylight, and warmer weather, and even enjoy the beauty of nature and additional outdoor activities during the upcoming transition into British Summer Time.
Get ready, as spring is right around the corner!
