Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Owensboro, United States, as it provides essential insights into the sun's intensity and potential risks associated with UV exposure. Elevated UV levels can lead to sunburns, skin damage, and increase the risk of skin cancer, making awareness key to protecting your health. Given Owensboro's Cfa climate, characterized by hot summers with peaks in UV levels—reaching a high of 11 by early afternoon—being informed can empower you to enjoy the outdoors safely. Stay vigilant about UV exposure to safeguard your skin while enjoying all that Owensboro has to offer!
At 07:00, the UV Index begins its climb with a modest level of 1. By 08:00, it doubles to 2, signaling the start of a gradual increase in solar intensity. As the sun rises higher, the index swiftly escalates to 4 by 09:00 and reaches a brisk 7 at 10:00. The peak occurs at 12:00, hitting a notable 10, and it continues to soar, reaching its maximum of 11 by 13:00. After this midday peak, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and gradually decreasing to 7 by 15:00. As the afternoon progresses, it further retreats to 5 at 16:00 and falls to 3 by 17:00, finally settling back to 1 at 18:00 and 19:00. This prompts a reminder to take essential sun protection during the day, especially when the index is at its highest!
| 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 | 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 | 1 | 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 |
| Owensboro | 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 |