Last updated: June 2, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents of West Salem, United States, where the climate often provides bright and sunny days. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. With peak UV Index readings reaching as high as 11, it’s important to recognize the risks associated with outdoor activities, particularly in a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) where sun exposure can be intense. By staying aware of these levels, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV radiation while enjoying everything West Salem has to offer!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dramatic rise in solar intensity. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00. The real spike occurs as the sun climbs higher, with the index jumping to 4 at 09:00, before peaking at a striking 11 by 13:00—the highest risk of the day. After this peak, the UV levels gradually taper off, dropping to 8 at 15:00, and settling to a gentle 2 by 18:00. Remember to don that sunscreen during the midday hours to protect your skin from the sun’s powerful rays!
| 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 | 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 | 2 | 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 |