Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Prairie City, United States, as it empowers you to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. With the UV levels often peaking at a significant 9 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. The Dfa climate of Prairie City, characterized by hot summers, increases the risk of overexposure to UV radiation, making it essential for locals to stay informed and take necessary precautions whenever they step 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, 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 |
| Prairie City | 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 |