Last updated: May 3, 2025
Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for residents of Winona Lake, where exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can vary significantly throughout the day. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health, particularly on sunny days when the index peaks around midday. With a humid continental climate (Dfa), Winona Lake experiences a mix of seasons, but during summer months, UV exposure can be particularly intense, reaching levels as high as 10 in the early afternoon. Protect yourself and your loved ones by keeping an eye on the UV Index—it's your first line of defense against the sun!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating journey of sunlight intensity. Starting with a gentle maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM, the index remains low, barely rising above 1 until it hits a moderate 4 by 10:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the intensity peaks dramatically, soaring to 10 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM—the most critical hours for sun exposure. Post-peak, the numbers gracefully decline: 8 at 3:00 PM, 6 at 4:00 PM, and dwindling to a cozy 1 by 7:00 PM. This trajectory indicates a day where careful timing is essential, with high risk from midday to early afternoon, making sun safety essential during those peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure include April through September, when the UV Index reaches very high levels of 9 or 10, significantly reducing the safe burn time to just 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Conversely, the winter months of December and January present lower UV risks, with indices of 2 and 3, allowing for safer exposure times of 30 to 45 minutes. Overall, awareness of seasonal changes in UV levels is crucial for protecting skin health throughout the year.
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 |
| Winona Lake | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 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 |