Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Wood River, United States, as it directly informs us of the sun's intensity and potential health risks. With UV levels peaking at 10 during the hottest hours of the day, being aware of these metrics can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. As a city nestled in a climate characterized by humid subtropical conditions (Cfa), Wood River experiences periods of high UV exposure, especially in the summer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
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 levels fluctuate, with significant increases during the spring and summer months. January and December have moderate UV Index levels of 3, allowing for 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, while February sees a slight increase to 5. As spring arrives, March reaches a high UV Index of 6 with a 25-minute burn time, transitioning to very high levels of 9 in April and peaking at 11 in June—the highest risk month with only 10 minutes of safe exposure. July and August maintain a very high UV Index of 10 and 9, respectively, before gradually declining to 6 in October and returning to moderate levels in November. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to take extra precautions from April through September, particularly in June, by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of 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 |
| Wood River | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 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 |