Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of the Plains, United States, where the combination of a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and prolonged sun exposure can heighten the risk of skin damage. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and safeguard your skin health. With peak UV readings soaring to 11 during midday, it’s essential to recognize the potential dangers of overexposure, especially in the summer months. Whether you're basking in the sun or running errands, keeping an eye on the UV Index helps you enjoy outdoor activities responsibly, ensuring you stay protected in the vibrant Plains sunshine.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting the day at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, but the real surge comes as the clock strikes 10:00 AM, with a jump to 5. The peak arrives at high noon with a blazing 10, reaching its zenith at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, both maintaining a fierce 11. The intensity then gradually recedes, dipping to 9 by 3:00 PM, followed by 7 at 4:00 PM, and further down to 5 at 5:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, the UV Index cools off to 3 at 6:00 PM and finally wanes back to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM, reminding us to stay vigilant and protect our skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months. From January (UV Index 4) to February (UV Index 7), exposure remains moderate to high, with burn times shortening as spring approaches. The months of March and April see a sharp increase in UV levels (9 and 10 respectively), indicating very high risk for sunburn, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. The extreme category dominates from May to August (UV Index 11), where even brief sun exposure can result in burns within 10 minutes. As we move into September and October, the index drops to 10 and 8, maintaining a very high risk, before returning to a moderate level in November and December (UV Index 6 and 4). Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially from March through October, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Plains | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |