Winter time is about to enter the scene in several states of the Mexican Republic, especially in the northern zone, even though in the majority it is a measure that has already been discarded.
Since 2023, the application of summer and winter schedules was eliminated after a modification to the Time Zone Law, in which it was determined to eliminate the measure, after considering that the energy savings by setting the clock back or forward was minimal.
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In which areas of the country are the time changes still made?
There is an area in Mexico that still practices the time change, the states in the northern part of the country preserved it because it is a border area and of great commercial importance with the United States.
The need to match the time with the North American border states for business purposes forces the inhabitants of this area to make the time change every certain number of months.
Which states will change their time on Sunday, November 3?
Winter time will come into effect this Sunday, November 3 in five border states of Mexico, and of these, only 37 municipalities will make the modification.
Chihuahua:
- Praxedis G. Guerrero
- Ascension
- Ojinaga
- Coyame del Sotol
- Guadalupe
- Manuel Benavides,
- Janos
- Ciudad Juarez
Coahuila:
- Zaragoza
- Black Stones
- Morelos
- Jiménez
- Guerrero
- Hidalgo
- Acuna
- Ocampo
- Villa Union
- Nava
- Allende
Tamaulipas:
- Matamoros
- beautiful valley
- Rio Bravo
- Reynosa
- Gustavo Diaz Ordaz
- Camargo
- Miguel Aleman
- New Laredo
- Guerrero
- Sea
Baja California:
- Saint Philip
- Rosarito Beaches
- Mexicali
- Ensenada
- Tijuana
- Saint Quentin
- Tecate
New Leon:
Does the clock go forward or slow?
Since winter time will come into effect this Sunday, residents of the municipalities where this measure is still applied must set their clocks back one hour, as set by the authorities.
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Automatic time change
Currently, many electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets and computers automatically change the time, as they are configured with the time zone where the measure still applies.
This Sunday, November 3, starting at 2:00 a.m., many devices will make the modification at an extra hour; However, in others, mainly mechanical, it must be done manually, so it is important that citizens review which ones require intervention.
The reason why this change is made on Sundays is so that if you are not aware or the change has not been made automatically, it does not affect citizens’ workday activities and thus they have the opportunity to change all the clocks during the day.
Now you know, if you live in any of these states and municipalities in the northern part of the country, don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour exactly and enjoy one more hour to sleep.
When will the next time change be?
The next change from winter time to summer time will take place next Sunday, April 6, 2025 starting at 2:00 a.m.
Related
Interview between Time.news Editor and Time Zone Expert
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Ana Ruiz, a leading expert in time zone dynamics and their impacts on commerce and daily life. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ruiz.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. As you’ve probably heard, several states in Mexico are still practicing time changes, particularly in the northern border areas, even though the majority of the country has discontinued this practice. What has sparked this continued observance of time changes in those areas?
Dr. Ruiz: Absolutely. The primary driver behind the continued observance of time changes in northern Mexico is the need for synchronization with U.S. border states. These regions are heavily dependent on cross-border commerce, and aligning their time with that of American states maintains efficiency in business operations. It eases scheduling, transportation, and trade.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. As of November 3rd, certain municipalities in states like Chihuahua, Coahuila, Tamaulipas, and Baja California will transition into “winter time.” Can you detail how this affects daily life for the residents in those areas?
Dr. Ruiz: Certainly. For residents, this time change means adjusting their daily routines—waking up, working, and socializing will all be affected. It’s a logistical shift that can disrupt sleep patterns initially. However, given the historical context of time changes, many residents are accustomed to this switch and know how to manage the transition.
Editor: You mentioned the adjustment in sleep patterns, which can impact productivity and overall well-being. In many regions where time changes have been abolished, what have been the observed benefits?
Dr. Ruiz: Many studies suggest that eliminating time changes can lead to fewer disruptions in sleep cycles and hence better overall health and productivity. The energy savings originally promised by time changes have proven minimal, leading many countries to abandon the practice entirely. Without these shifts, communities experience a more stable daily rhythm, which can enhance quality of life.
Editor: It’s fascinating how the practical implications of time management affect everything from local routines to larger economic activities. Given the shift in policy in Mexico regarding time zones, do you think there will be a push in the future to unify the time standards across the country?
Dr. Ruiz: I think that’s a very real possibility. As technology continues to enhance our interconnectedness, there’s a growing case for a unified time standard. It could reduce confusion and foster business relationships across borders—not just in Mexico and the U.S. but also with other trading partners. However, pushing for such change will require careful consideration of local customs and practices that are still deeply intertwined with timekeeping.
Editor: Very insightful! One final question: As we move into a world increasingly driven by technology, do you believe we might see a shift away from conventional time zones altogether in favor of a more global timekeeping system?
Dr. Ruiz: That’s an intriguing notion. While it’s difficult to predict, a global timekeeping system could address many of the inefficiencies we face today, particularly in business. However, societal habits and local cultures remain deeply rooted in the current time zone structures. For a transition to occur, it would need broad international consensus and a gradual adaptation by societies, which is a significant challenge in itself.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for this enlightening discussion about time changes in Mexico and their broader implications! Your insights provide a clearer understanding of how these changes affect not only commerce but also our daily lives.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing these important issues with you.