Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Belle Plaine, United States, where sunny days can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking at 9 during midday hours, awareness of these levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Given Belle Plaine's Dfa climate, characterized by warm summers, it's essential to protect yourself from intense UV exposure, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest. Stay informed and stay safe to enjoy the beautiful outdoors!
The UV Index for the day showcases a notable rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually increases to a moderate level of 3 by 9:00 AM. However, from 10:00 AM onward, things heat up significantly, peaking at a scorching 9 from noon to 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index gradually dips back to a friendly 3 by 5:00 PM, then descends further to 1 by the time evening sets in. This pattern underscores the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when UV levels are at their highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable fluctuations, with high-risk months typically falling between April and September. During this period, the UV Index peaks in June at a severe level of 11, signifying an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following closely are May and July, both rated as very high with indices of 9 and 10 respectively, while April and August maintain a very high category as well, with indices reaching 8. As winter approaches, the UV Index drops to a moderate level in January, February, November, and December, offering safer exposure times of up to 30 minutes. To protect yourself during peak UV times, especially from April to September, it's crucial to apply sunscreen regularly, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during mid-day hours.
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 |
| Belle Plaine | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 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 |