Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Mechanicsville, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for mitigating long-term skin damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With a Dfa climate, Mechanicsville experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours when the UV Index can reach levels as high as 9 between noon and 1 PM. Knowing when to cover up or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors safely.
The UV Index rises steadily throughout the morning, with a low of 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 9 between 12:00 and 13:00, marking the peak of sun intensity. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 8 at 14:00 and further easing to 7 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index continues to decrease, landing back at a mild 1 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of protective measures during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 13:00, when sun exposure poses the highest risk.
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 | 8 | 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, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, impacting sun exposure and potential skin damage. The high-risk months, identified by an increased UV Index, are April through August, where levels reach a concerning 8 to 11, categorized as either very high to extreme. Notably, June exhibits the peak UV Index of 11, necessitating vigilant sun protection. Residents and visitors are advised to minimize sun exposure during these months, seeking shade and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, especially during peak hours. In contrast, winter months like January, November, and December present a moderate risk with an UV Index of 3 to 4, allowing for more lenient outdoor activities while still practicing sun safety.
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 |
Mechanicsville | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 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 |