With the first day of March — and the first day of meteorological spring — just days away, it’s nearly time to change the clocks for spring. And according to experts, the time change for 2026 comes earlier than usual.

Setting clocks forward was introduced in the U.S. to make better use of natural daylight and save energy, Time and Date reports. The nation has followed this "schedule" since 2007

Daylight saving time, where clocks are turned one hour ahead, is meant to save energy and capitalize on more sunlight during the day and has been in place for over 100 years. The practice began after the Standard Time Act was passed and went into effect back in March 1918, as the Library of Congress notes.

Many Alabamians will be looking forward to springing forward this Sunday, March 8, when “Daylight Saving Time” begins. This time change gives us a later sunset, giving us more daylight in the evening hours. Daylight Saving Time will begin on Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m., and will end on Sunday, November 1, when it returns to standard time.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal says Sunday’s shift to daylight saving time offers an ideal opportunity for homeowners to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.