Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Firebaugh, California, as it plays a vital role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the area's BSk climate, characterized by hot summers and ample sunshine, awareness of daily UV levels is essential for safe outdoor activities. During peak hours, particularly from 12 PM to 2 PM, the UV Index soars to a maximum of 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By learning to monitor these levels, Firebaugh residents can take proactive steps to safeguard their skin and enjoy the beautiful sunny days safely.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00 as the sun rises. The warmth intensifies, reaching 4 at 09:00 and peaking at a significant 10 between noon and 14:00, signaling the need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, the index begins to dip, settling at 8 by 15:00 before tapering off further to 5 at 16:00. By the evening, the UV levels gracefully descend back to 2 at 18:00 and return to a safe 1 by 19:00, marking a day's journey through varying sun exposure. Be mindful of the midday sun, and stay protected 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the UV levels are moderate (Index 4-5), allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring unfolds in March (Index 8) and April (Index 9), the risk escalates to very high, with burn times decreasing to 15 minutes. The intensity reaches its zenith in June (Index 12) and July (Index 11), marked as extreme—where just 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can lead to burns. August and September maintain high levels of risk, while October sees a slight decline to high (Index 7) with a burn time of 25 minutes. By November and December, the UV index drops back to moderate levels, allowing for safer outdoor activities with burn times returning to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during high-risk months (March through September) by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize sun exposure and prevent sunburn.
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 |
| Firebaugh | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |