Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Wheeling, United States is crucial for protecting your skin and promoting overall health. As the sun's intensity can vary significantly throughout the day, being aware of UV levels helps you prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. Wheeling's Dfa climate presents unique challenges, with peak UV exposure often occurring between 10 AM and 2 PM, when levels can soar to 10. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors safely while keeping your skin healthy and protected from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic pattern of sun exposure, peaking during the afternoon. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually increasing as the sun rises. By 10:00, it reaches 6, signaling a rise in sun intensity, culminating in a striking 10 from 12:00 to 13:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day progresses, the UV Index declines, dropping to 3 by 17:00, and steadily returning to 1 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection, especially during midday when the UV Index is at its highest.
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 9 | 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 exhibit significant seasonal variation. January and December have low UV exposure, with indices of 2, allowing for a lengthy burn time of 45 minutes. As we transition to February (UV Index 4) and March (UV Index 6), the risk escalates to moderate and high, reducing safe exposure time to 30 and 25 minutes, respectively. The peak months for UV exposure occur during April to August, with indices reaching a high of 10 in June and July, categorized as very high and necessitating a brief burn time of just 15 minutes. By October, the index decreases to 5, then further settles at 3 in November. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution during the high-risk months of April through August, using sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wheeling | 2 | 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 |