Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Bluford, Illinois, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring your outdoor activities remain both enjoyable and safe. Given Bluford's Cfa climate, characterized by hot summers and varying UV exposure, it’s essential to stay informed about peak UV times—particularly during midday when the index can soar to 11. By monitoring the UV Index, you can better safeguard your skin health and enjoy the beautiful outdoors responsibly.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, beginning with a gentle rise from a modest 1 at 07:00 to a peak of 11 at noon. As the sun reaches its highest point, the intensity of UV radiation escalates, urging caution and protection. The index remains high until 14:00, maintaining a reading of 10, before gradually declining in the afternoon. By 17:00, it drops to 3 and cools off to 1 by evening, highlighting the dramatic shift in UV exposure as daylight fades. For a sun-safe day, plan outdoor activities in the morning or later in the evening!
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 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values exhibit notable seasonal changes, with the highest levels typically occurring during the late spring and summer months. March marks the shift into high UV exposure, escalating to an extreme UV Index of 11 in May and June, indicating significant risk for skin damage with a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant from April to September, the high-risk months, where daily activities should involve protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing. As the year progresses into fall and winter, UV levels decrease, returning to a moderate category, but it’s essential to remain cautious even during this time, especially on sunny days.
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 |
Bluford | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |