Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ozark, United States, where the sun's intensity can vary significantly throughout the day. With maximum UV levels soaring to 11 around midday, it’s essential to grasp how these numbers impact your daily activities to prevent painful sunburns and safeguard long-term skin health. Ozark's humid subtropical climate (Cfa) means that, combined with the often clear skies, the risk of overexposure increases, especially during the summer months. Stay informed about UV levels and take necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely!
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity. At 7:00 AM, the day begins with a gentle UVI of 1, making it safe for early risers. By 8:00 AM, it ticks up to 2, still in the low range. As the sun climbs higher, the index jumps to 4 at 9:00 AM, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where the index soars to an alarming 11, highlighting the need for sun protection during these hours. Fortunately, as the afternoon progresses, the levels start to decline, dropping to 10 by 2:00 PM and then to 7 and 5 through 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, it settles back to 2, and by 6:00 PM, a return to the safer 1 concludes a day dominated by high UV intensity. Remember, at high levels, sun safety is vital!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest risk observed during the spring and summer months. From February to August, the UV Index remains at a very high to extreme level, peaking at 11 in May, June, July, and August, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. In contrast, January and December experience moderate UV levels, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes before burning. As the UV levels decline entering the fall months, particularly in November with a high index of 6 (burn time of 25 minutes), it is still prudent to remain vigilant against UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Ozark | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |