Last updated: July 2, 2025
In West Helena, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With peak UV levels soaring to a category 11, residents and visitors must understand the risks of sun exposure, particularly during the midday hours when sunburn can occur in just minutes. The humid subtropical climate of West Helena, characterized by hot summers, amplifies the need for vigilance against harmful UV radiation. By monitoring UV levels, you can make informed decisions on sun protection, ensuring a safer and healthier outdoor experience.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling a need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 with a powerful 10, indicating strong sunlight. The highest point, 11 at 13:00, urges sun safety awareness as the afternoon sun bears down. However, relief comes as the sun begins to set; the index dips to 9 by 15:00, then gradually decreases to 4 at 17:00, and finally back to a safe 1 by 19:00. Throughout the day, staying vigilant against UV exposure is key!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 displays significant seasonal fluctuations, notably peaking during the summer months. High-risk months where UV exposure is most critical include May, June, and July, with extreme UV Index levels of 11 and 12, resulting in a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Other notably high months are March and April, categorized as very high, with burn times dropping to 15 minutes. It is essential for visitors and residents to take preventative measures during these months: seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the year progresses toward the cooler months of October through December, UV exposure decreases, but caution is still advised during high risk months like November. Staying aware of these changes can ensure a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience year-round.
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 |
| West Helena | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |