Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial in the Plains, United States, where residents and visitors alike are often exposed to strong sunlight. With a climate classified as BSk, the region experiences notable fluctuations in UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a significant 11 between 1 PM and 2 PM. Awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy outdoor activities safely while minimizing your risk of harmful UV exposure.
The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity as it rises to its peak around midday. Starting off gently at 1 by 07:00 and 08:00, the sun begins to assert itself, climbing to 3 by 09:00. As the clock strikes 10:00, the UV index soars to 5, and by 11:00, it surges to 7. The real heat hits around noon, with 12:00 witnessing a striking 9 before peaking at 11 from 13:00 to 14:00—ideal conditions for sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, as the day progresses, the UV levels start to dip; by 15:00, it settles at 10, then recedes to 8 by 16:00. Finally, as evening approaches, the index drops to 5 at 17:00, 3 at 18:00, and returns to a mild 1 by 19:00. It’s a day to embrace the sun early, but don’t forget the sunscreen as the UV rays reach their zenith!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations that influence sun safety for residents and visitors. The high-risk months are from April to August, when the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 12 in June. During these months, the recommended burn time drastically decreases to just 10 minutes, making sun protection essential. As we transition into early spring, high values are observed with indices of 7 in March and 10 in April, indicating urgent precautions should still be taken as the strength of the sun intensifies. Conversely, during the fall and winter months, such as November and December, the UV Index drops to more moderate levels, with burn times of 30 minutes, suggesting a reduced risk when outdoors. Visitors and residents should wear sunscreen and protective clothing during high UV periods, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, to minimize skin damage and ensure safety under the sun.
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 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Plains | 4 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |