This fall, the last change of clocks to winter time will take place in Ukraine. According to the new law passed by the Verkhovna Rada, after that the transition to summer time will be canceled and the country will remain on winter time permanently.
Prior to that, Ukrainians changed the hands of the clocks twice a year — in the spring to summer time and in the fall to winter time. However, in July 2024, the Verkhovna Rada voted to abolish this practice, and from now on the clocks will be changed for the last time.
The transition to winter time traditionally takes place on the last Sunday of October. In 2024, it will be October 27. At 04:00, the hands of the clocks must be moved back one hour, so after that point it will be 03:00, which will allow you to get an extra hour of sleep.
Modern gadgets, such as smartphones and computers, automatically change the time, but mechanical watches require manual adjustment.
How to prepare for the transition
Despite the fact that this transition to winter time will be the last, some Ukrainians remain dissatisfied with the decision to keep “winter” time on a permanent basis. This can cause some inconvenience, especially in the eastern regions of Ukraine, where in the summer the sun will start to rise at 3:00 a.m. and set until 9:00 p.m. In the western regions, the problem will be the early onset of darkness in winter.
Experts also note possible negative economic consequences. Businesses will be forced to start and finish work in the dark, which will increase lighting costs and may reduce overall productivity.
Doctors, however, support the cancellation of the time shift, as it will have a positive effect on people’s health. They advise preparing for the final transition in advance, in particular, starting to go to bed earlier and reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption. They also recommend walking more in the fresh air, drinking herbal teas and keeping calm.
The passage of this law could have consequences for energy consumption, especially in the context of possible power outages due to infrastructure damage. For example, in Kyiv at the end of June, dawn will come at 3:00 a.m., and dusk at 8:00 p.m., which can increase the costs of evening lighting.
Some experts are urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi to promise this law because of the potential economic and social consequences associated with permanent winter time.
