Residents across Alabama and much of the country will need to set their clocks ahead one hour this weekend as Daylight Saving Time begins.

At 2 a.m. Sunday morning, clocks will “spring forward” to 3 a.m., giving people an extra hour of daylight in the evening. The time change is part of a long-standing practice intended to make better use of daylight during the warmer months.

While the change brings longer evenings, it also means losing an hour of sleep Saturday night. Safety officials often remind residents to use the time change as a reminder to check smoke alarm batteries and review household safety plans.

Daylight Saving Time will remain in effect until early November, when clocks will once again be turned back one hour as standard time returns.

Most smartphones and digital devices adjust automatically, but older clocks and appliances may need to be changed manually before heading to bed Saturday night.