Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Meridian, United States, as it provides essential information on the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. With peak UV levels typically reaching a high of 11 in the summer months, awareness of these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Given Meridian's semi-arid climate, which enjoys sunny days throughout the year, understanding and monitoring UV exposure risks can help residents protect themselves and their families from harmful effects. Stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!
During the day, the UV Index peaks sharply, reaching its maximum at 2 PM with a level of 11, indicating intense ultraviolet radiation. As the sun rises, the index starts low at 1 at 7 AM and 8 AM, gradually climbing until it hits 7 by 11 AM. The intensity continues to escalate, reaching 9 at noon and hitting the day’s high of 10 at 1 PM. Following the afternoon peak, the index begins to fade, dropping to 8 by 4 PM, and then gently tapering off to 5 at 5 PM, before concluding the day with lower readings of 3 at 6 PM and 2 at 7 PM. For those venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to take precautions against sun exposure, particularly between noon and 2 PM when the UV risk is at its highest.
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. The highest risk comes in June and July, when the UV Index reaches 11, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. April and May also pose considerable risk with UV Index values of 8 and 10, respectively, requiring vigilance as the burn time drops to 15 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January and December present the lowest UV exposure, with index levels of 3 and 2, allowing for a safer burn time of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize the 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 |
| Meridian | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 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 |