Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Meadow Lake, Canada, where the stunning landscapes can sometimes lead to underestimating sun exposure. With a climate characterized by a Dfc zone, Meadow Lake experiences significant seasonal variations, but during sunny days, UV levels can reach as high as 8 around midday. Awareness of UV levels is crucial not only for enjoying outdoor activities safely but also for preventing painful sunburns and protecting skin health over time. As you navigate through the seasons, staying informed about the UV Index helps ensure that your time in the sun is both enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index for the day presents a fascinating glimpse into the sun's intensity as it rises. Starting gently at 1 at 07:00, the UV levels gradually climb, reaching 2 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, the intensity peaks sharply, hitting 8 at 13:00, marking the time for maximum sun exposure. A slight decline follows, with values dropping to 7 at 14:00 and easing to 6 by 15:00. The sun begins to retreat after this, bringing the UV Index down to 4 at 17:00, before tapering off to 1 by 19:00. It's a reminder to stay sun-safe, especially during the midday hours when the UV radiation is at its strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. July is identified as the peak month, featuring a UV Index of 8, categorized as very high, where the burn time is reduced to just 15 minutes. Following closely are May and June with an index of 7, indicating a high risk of UV exposure. Visitors and residents should exercise increased caution from May to August, particularly in July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. In contrast, the winter months, particularly January, February, November, and December, present a low UV exposure risk, allowing for more comfortable outdoor activities with less concern for skin damage. Always consider the UV Index when planning outdoor activities to ensure safety and health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meadow Lake | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Edmonton UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Calgary UVI | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Montreal UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Ottawa UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Toronto UVI | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |