Central Standard Time (CST) is a time zone used across multiple regions in North America. It is centered on the astronomical mean of the 90th meridian west of the Greenwich Observatory in London, hence also known as GMT-6 (Greenwich Mean Time minus 6 hours). The central meridian for this time zone runs through the middle of the United States, covering parts of Canada, Mexico, and Central America.
CST is observed during the non-daylight saving period, generally from the first Sunday of November to the second Sunday of March in the United States. However, some regions, like the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, do not observe CST and instead adopt Eastern Standard Time.
The Central Standard Time zone is 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-6). It is widely known for its usage in the United States, specifically in states including Texas, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Major cities that fall under this time zone include Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Winnipeg.
The adoption of Central Standard Time helps maintain consistency and synchronization of time within a particular region. It provides a reference point for scheduling appointments, transportation, international communication, and various aspects of daily life. By adhering to CST, individuals and organizations can effectively coordinate activities and ensure mutual agreement on timelines across multiple locations within the time zone.
