Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Lake Mack-Forest Hills, maintaining awareness of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial, especially during the peak hours of sun exposure, as it helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Cfa climate, Lake Mack-Forest Hills experiences a mix of temperate weather, which can lead to varying UV intensity throughout the year. During midday hours, UV values can soar to 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being informed about these levels empowers residents and visitors to take the necessary precautions and enjoy the sunny days safely.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic increase in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it remains low throughout the morning, only reaching 3 by 09:00. However, by 11:00, the index skyrockets to 8, peaking at an intense 11 from 13:00 to 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels gradually decrease, dropping to 4 by 17:00 and tapering off to 1 once again by 19:00. It's clear that midday hours pose the greatest risk for sun exposure, making it crucial to take precautions during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels experience significant fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from February to September. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly in April through August, where it peaks at 12. This means that unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes during these months. February and March also present risks with very high indexes of 8 and 9, respectively, necessitating protection within 15 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, UV levels slightly decrease but remain elevated through October. It is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during these months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage. The UV Index returns to moderate levels in January and December, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities.
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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Lake Mack-Forest Hills | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |