Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Little Rock Air Force Base, where the climate is characterized as Cfa—humid subtropical—leading to significant sun exposure. The UV levels can soar to dangerous heights, peaking at 11 during the midday hours, making awareness vital for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Being informed about these levels helps you take necessary precautions, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable without the risk of harmful UV effects. Remember, in this sun-soaked environment, protecting your skin is not just smart—it's essential!
The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of solar intensity, peaking dramatically between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a striking 11—a warning to seek shade and protect skin. Starting the day at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs, reaching 4 by 9:00 AM and escalating to 9 by 11:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index hits 11, indicating extreme conditions that persist for a solid three hours. Following this midday blast, it gracefully declines to 6 by 4:00 PM, before tapering off to a safer 1 by the evening. Remember to stay sun-smart during those peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. Notably, from May to August, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11, indicating a high risk for skin damage with a burn time of only 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months, especially January and December, see moderate UV levels of 4, allowing for a safer exposure time of 30 minutes. The months of February and March also present heightened risks with UV indices of 6 and 8, respectively, highlighting the necessity for caution as spring approaches. Residents and visitors are advised to protect their skin during April to September when the UV values are particularly elevated. Measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours are strongly recommended to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
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 |
| Little Rock Air Force Base | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |