Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Storm Lake, Iowa, where the climate can lead to varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day. By keeping an eye on UV levels, you can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and protect your skin's health, particularly during peak hours when the index hits 11 around noon. With the Dfa climate zone typical of Storm Lake, exposure risks can fluctuate, making it essential for locals to stay informed. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the sun, being aware of the UV Index can help safeguard your well-being.
The UV Index climbs steadily throughout the morning, starting at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM and reaching a more intense 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index peaks at an alarming 11 at 1:00 PM, indicating severe UV exposure. This high risk is only slightly alleviated in the following hours, where it drops to 10 at 2:00 PM and gradually decreases to 4 by 5:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the UV Index dips to low levels of 2 at 6:00 PM and returns to 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember, during the midday hours, adequate sun protection is crucial to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months typically occurring from April to September. In April, the UV Index escalates to 8, indicating very high exposure risks, and remains elevated through May (9) and June (11), where it reaches an extreme level. July (10) and August (9) continue to present very high risks, before tapering off in September (8). As a precaution, visitors and residents should take protective measures, especially during these peak months, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. In contrast, the UV Index drops to a moderate level (3-5) from October to March, allowing for safer outdoor activities during this period.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storm Lake | 3 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| 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 |
| 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 |