Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Big River, United States is crucial for everyone who enjoys the outdoors, especially in this region known for its bright sun and hot climate. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if proper precautions aren’t taken. The typical climate here falls within the arid BWh zone, giving rise to high UV exposure, particularly during midday when levels can soar to a dangerous 11. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to protect their skin, ensuring safe and enjoyable outdoor activities year-round.
The UV Index begins the day at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, ideal for early risers enjoying the outdoors. As the sun climbs, the index steadily rises, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM and hitting 5 at 9:00 AM. It's 10:00 AM when things heat up, peaking at a striking 11 by noon, making it crucial to take precautions. The UV Index holds steady at this maximum of 11 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, signaling extreme exposure levels. Following this hour, conditions begin to cool down with a decline to 9 by 2:00 PM and tapering to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the index drops sharply to 1 by 6:00 PM, providing a gentle close to the day's UV exposure. Adapting outdoor activities in line with these UV fluctuations is essential for skin health!
| 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 | 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 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring from March to August. March and April both exhibit a very high UV Index of 9 and 10, respectively, leading to a burn time of only 15 minutes. The peak months, May and June, are classified as extreme with a UV Index of 11 and 12, necessitating caution as the burn time reduces to just 10 minutes. July and August continue this trend, remaining in the extreme category, before a gradual decline in September to 10 (very high) and further down to high with an Index of 7 in October. The year wraps up with moderate levels in November and December, where the burn time increases to 30 minutes. Given these variations, residents and visitors should take extra precautions from March through October, particularly during May and June, by wearing protective clothing, applying high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize their 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 |
| Big River | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |