Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of South Zeal, United Kingdom, as it provides essential information about potential sun exposure and its associated health risks. With peak UV levels reaching 7 around noon, awareness of these readings is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially in a Cfb climate marked by varying cloud cover and seasonal changes. Knowing the daily UV index empowers locals to plan outdoor activities wisely, ensuring they take necessary precautions during periods of higher exposure while enjoying the natural beauty of South Zeal.
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) begins its ascent, starting with a mild level of 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a level 3, indicating an increase in solar intensity. The real peak occurs at noon when the UVI hits a robust 7, representing the highest risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. This high intensity persists until 3:00 PM, when it gradually recedes to a level of 6. As the afternoon wanes, the UVI dips further, dropping to 5 at 4 PM and finally back to a gentle 1 by 7 PM, allowing for a safe and comfortable evening. Remember, the hours between 10 AM and 3 PM mark the most crucial times for sun safety!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable changes throughout the year, with high-risk months typically occurring from April to August. In this period, the UV Index peaks at 9 in June, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, where the burn time drops to just 15 minutes. As spring transitions to summer, individuals should be especially vigilant, with April (UV Index 6) and May (UV Index 7) also classified as high risk months, requiring shorter burn times of 25 minutes. Conversely, the beginning of the year and late fall see lower UV levels, with January and February maintaining a UV Index of 2 and a burn time of 45 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take appropriate precautions during the high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses while seeking shade during peak sun hours, to protect against potential skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Sheffield UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Birmingham UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| London UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Bristol UVI | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| South Zeal | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |