Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kettleman City, where the warm, semi-arid climate can lead to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. With peak UV levels reaching a striking 11 during midday hours, awareness becomes vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. By tracking the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities and ensure you take necessary precautions to guard against skin damage. Kettleman City’s sunny days, especially from late morning to early afternoon, present significant sun exposure risks, making it essential to stay vigilant about UV levels and prioritize your skin's well-being.
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 |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface. From January to February, the UV Index is moderate at 4-5, with a burn time of about 30 minutes. However, by March, it escalates to 8 (very high), and remains at 9 in April. The peak risk occurs during the summer months of May through August, where the UV Index reaches a concerning 11 (extreme) with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In September, the risk slightly diminishes to 9, then to 7 in October, and further down to moderate levels of 5 in November and 3 in December. Residents and visitors should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of May to August, ensuring to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and minimize sun exposure during peak hours to prevent 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 |
| Kettleman City | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 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 |