Last updated: May 3, 2025
In McCullom Lake, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. As UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, being aware of these changes can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a Dfa climate that features warm summers, residents and visitors alike should be particularly mindful during peak hours, such as noon to 1 PM, when the UV Index reaches a high of 9. By keeping an eye on local UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself from harmful rays.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and steadily rising as the sun reaches its peak. By 10:00, it escalates to a moderate 6, reaching 8 at 11:00 and peaking at an intense 9 from 12:00 to 13:00. This period signifies the greatest caution for sun exposure, making it essential to seek shade and wear protective clothing. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to dip, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then declining further to 7 by 15:00, and tapering down to 1 by 19:00. Overall, it’s a day that encourages sun safety awareness, particularly during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest risk of harmful exposure occurring from March to September. During this peak season, particularly in April through August, the UV Index reaches levels of 8 to 10, categorizing exposure as very high and reducing the burn time to just 15 minutes. Conversely, the winter months see much lower UV levels; for instance, January and February maintain a moderate index of 3 and 4, while December drops to a low level of 2. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during high-risk months, especially by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCullom Lake | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |