British Columbia Stays on Summer Time While Washington Falls Back

Washington State residents will lose an hour of daylight this Sunday, November 1, at 2 a.m. The state returns to Pacific Standard Time, while British Columbia remains on permanent Daylight Saving Time. This creates a one-hour time difference between the two regions starting immediately.

The clock change resets the schedule for the Pacific Standard Time zone, which includes Washington and Oregon. The sun will rise earlier in the morning and set earlier in the evening. Most electronic devices will update automatically, but manual clocks and vehicle dashboards require manual adjustment on Saturday night, October 31.

Washington law currently mandates the twice-yearly clock change. A 2019 state bill proposed permanent Daylight Saving Time, but the measure is contingent on federal approval. Congress has not passed legislation to alter the nationwide schedule, leaving states bound by the federal Uniform Time Act.

States may choose to stay on standard time year-round, a practice used by Hawaii and most of Arizona. However, states are legally barred from adopting permanent Daylight Saving Time without federal authorization. This legal framework keeps Washington on the traditional schedule while its northern neighbor remains on the summer clock.

The new time gap will impact cross-border travel and freight transportation schedules. From November through March, Vancouver and the rest of British Columbia will remain one hour ahead of the Pacific Standard Time zone. Businesses and travelers must adjust their timetables to account for the shift.

Fire departments advise residents to use the clock change as a reminder to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. They recommend replacing the batteries in these safety devices during the adjustment period.

Daylight Saving Time is scheduled to resume next year on the second Sunday in March. Until then, Washington operates on standard time while British Columbia maintains its permanent summer schedule.