Turn Your Clocks Back this Weekend
Friday, October 30th, 2009
It is that time of year when Daylight Saving Time ends so we turn our clocks back one hour as we head to bed on Saturday night. The good news is we all get an extra hour of sleep! This is also a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors and weather radios.
So where did Daylight Savings come from? Well, the idea came about as a way to add more sunlight in the afternoons. This would then allow farmers more time in the fields to harvest their crops. It also allowed local businesses to stay open later and make more money. Another reason was to save energy costs since you would not have to run lights but modern energy techniques have countered that. Recent studies suggest there really is not a good reason why we change our clocks. It has become more a nuisance than anything. I personally like the longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter. However, going home in the dark after work takes a while to get used to. — First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom

The rain was nice and much needed earlier this week. However, mother nature is turning the faucets off and cranking the heat back up. All of this just in time for the 4th of July holiday weekend. We are forecasting high temperatures to be near 100 degrees starting Thursday and lasting through the weekend and into next week. Our 100 degree tracker stands at 14 (as of Wednesday) so get ready to add to that! A lot of us will be outside celebrating Independence day but be careful in the heat. Make sure to drink lots of water and wear the sun screen. What are your plans for the 4th? Let me know by submitting a comment using the links below. I have to work that day but plan to visit the in-laws on my dinner break for good food and good times! — First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom
The first day of spring falls on Friday, March 21st this year. This is when the sun sits directly over the equator as the northern hemisphere begins to tilt more towards the sun. Also, this is when you have equal amounts of daylight and night. The weather patterns will also start to transition leading to the beginning of the severe weather season. However, keep in mind it can always get cold, even as we head into April.
This weekend, daylight saving time begins at 2 AM Sunday morning. Why would you wait until exactly 2 AM Sunday to change your clocks? Anyways, before you go to bed Saturday, do not forget to change all your clocks. This is also a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detector and replace them if needed.