Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Central City, United States, where the climate typically presents sunny days that can lead to significant UV exposure. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 11 around midday, it's essential for locals to take precautions and safeguard their skin from harmful radiation during those hours. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply running errands, knowing the UV Index can make all the difference in protecting yourself and your loved ones from potential risks.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dramatic rise in solar intensity. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it climbs steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00. The real spike occurs as the sun climbs higher, with the index jumping to 4 at 09:00, before peaking at a striking 11 by 13:00—the highest risk of the day. After this peak, the UV levels gradually taper off, dropping to 8 at 15:00, and settling to a gentle 2 by 18:00. Remember to don that sunscreen during the midday hours to protect your skin from the sun’s powerful rays!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 display significant seasonal variation, with notable peaks during the spring and summer months. From January (UV Index 3) to March (UV Index 7), exposure remains moderate to high, but by April and May (UV Index 10), it escalates to a very high category, necessitating increased sun protection. The most critical periods, with an extreme UV index of 11, occur in June, reminding visitors and residents to exercise extreme caution and limit sun exposure to just 10 minutes. This trend continues into July and August with very high levels, tapering off slightly in September (UV Index 9), before returning to high levels in October (UV Index 7). Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety during the high-risk months of April to September, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure. In contrast, November and December see a welcome decrease with a moderate UV index, allowing for more comfortable outdoor activities.
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 |
| Central City | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 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 |