The days are getting longer and AcuRite Atlas has proof

Gloomy winter weather got you down? You’re not alone. Over the past month much of the country has been dealing with extreme winter weather conditions, from unprecedented snow in the Pacific Northwest to a record-breaking deep freeze in the Midwest. But have no fear, the end is near. It may not seem like it, but the days are getting longer. On March 10, clocks will spring forward one hour for daylight saving time, moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.

Our new AcuRite Atlas weather station has the ability to measure daylight, so we can see for ourselves that spring is coming. Check out the My AcuRite chart below, based on data from an Atlas weather station in McHenry, IL. While the change in measured light is gradual, we’re able to see the days trending longer as spring nears. You’ll notice back on February 3, the amount of measured light was 9 hours 3 minutes, but on March 3, it was 11 hours 7 minutes. How’s that for a mood booster?

My AcuRite screenshot from an AcuRite Atlas weather station in McHenry, Illinois.

By linking your Atlas data to My AcuRite, you can also view high and low records, 12-hour trends and all the charts and graphs you can dream up. Check in on UV index, temperature, wind speed and other key weather conditions from anywhere. You can even share your data with weather-loving friends and family, and upload to online communities like Weather Underground.

Now that you know how to track daylight and you’re convinced spring really is coming, study up and impress your friends with a few fun facts:

• The idea of daylight saving was first brought up by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, in an essay, “An Economical Project.”
• About 70 countries around the world observe daylight saving time, and some countries refer to it as “summer time.” Many locations, including the European Union and several states across the U.S., are seeking to scrap the daylight saving time fallback so that summertime is all the time. Might be nice?
• The correct term is daylight “saving” (not savings) time. The incorrect term “daylight savings time” is commonly used, especially in Australia, Canada and the U.S. It's likely that the incorrect term “savings” entered the popular vocabulary because it's so often used in everyday contexts, like “savings account.”

So get ready to soak up that vitamin D. With a bit more daylight and an extra hour of sun to enjoy at the end of your day, you’ll be feeling your spring self in no time.