Last updated: May 3, 2025
In West Salem, United States, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Cfa climate characterized by warm summers, understanding the daily UV levels becomes essential, especially during peak hours when the index reaches a high of 10 around midday. By keeping an eye on these levels, residents can better protect themselves from harmful UV radiation that can lead to both immediate and long-term skin damage. Embrace the sun safely by checking the UV Index before heading out, so you can enjoy the warmth without the worry!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern that encourages cautious sun exposure. Starting gently at 1 at 07:00, the intensity slowly climbs to a moderate 2 by 08:00. However, the real ascent begins at 09:00, when the index reaches 4. The peak occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, with an impressive 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this peak, the UV levels gradually decline, dipping to 9 at 14:00 and then decreasing further to 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index wanes to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00, emphasizing the importance of smart sun safety, especially during the midday hours when the sun's rays are most potent.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains in the moderate range (3-5), suggesting a burn time of 30 minutes is generally safe. However, as spring arrives in March with a jump to high (7), visitors and residents should minimize direct sun exposure to about 25 minutes. The UV Index peaks during the summer months, reaching an extreme level (11) in June, which requires protective measures as burn time reduces to only 10 minutes. July and August remain critical with very high indices (10-9), while September sees sustained high levels as well. The risk declines in October with a high index (7) and further decreases towards the end of the year. It is advisable for everyone to plan outdoor activities strategically during the high-risk months (April through September), utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible to protect against harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| West Salem | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 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 |