Last updated: May 3, 2025
As residents of Gila Bend, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the local climate classified as BWh, characterized by hot, dry summers and plenty of sunshine, UV exposure can rise significantly. The UV Index, which peaks at 11 around midday, highlights the importance of sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Knowledge of these UV levels empowers you to take the necessary precautions against harmful effects and enjoy the outdoors safely.
The UV Index dramatically rises throughout the morning, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a peak of 11 by noon, marking a period of intense sun exposure. From 10:00 AM to 13:00 PM, the index remains at high levels, suggesting it’s crucial to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen and seeking shade. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, dipping to a manageable 4 by 4:00 PM, before settling back to 1 by 6:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being aware of UV levels, especially during peak hours, to ensure safety and minimize skin damage.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the year progresses, seasonal UV changes indicate a significant increase in UV exposure from January to May, reaching an extreme level of 11 by May and staying elevated throughout the summer months of June and July. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through September, particularly April and May, which see very high to extreme UV Index values. During these peak months, the burn time reduces dramatically to just 10 minutes, necessitating strong sun protection measures. Visitors and residents are advised to limit sun exposure during these high UV periods, especially around midday, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, while seeking shade whenever possible. As the year comes to a close, UV levels drop back down to moderate levels in November and December, where precautions can be relaxed slightly.
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 |
Gila Bend | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |