Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Prestonsburg, United States, is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With peak UV levels often reaching a hazardous 11 during the midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations can help you take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage. Given Prestonsburg's Cfa climate—characterized by humid summers and moderate winters—residents must be particularly vigilant about UV exposure risks, especially from late spring through early fall when the sun's intensity is at its highest. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin health.
As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index takes a dramatic leap throughout the day. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually rises to 3 by 09:00. The real intensity kicks in later, peaking at an impressive 11 around 13:00, a critical time when sun protection is essential. From there, a gradual decline begins, with readings of 10 at 14:00, 9 at 15:00, and tapering off to 3 by 18:00. Finally, the day winds down, returning to 1 by 19:00. It’s a vivid reminder of how important it is to safeguard against UV exposure during the sun’s most potent hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure are primarily from April to August, where indices peak at 11 in June and July, categorized as extreme with a burn time of only 10 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take precautions during this period, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen frequently. As spring transitions into summer, the UV index rises sharply, reaching very high levels in May and August, and dropping to high in March and October. The months of January, November, and December see lower risks with a moderate index of 3 or 5, allowing for more extended safe sun exposure times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should monitor UV levels closely and adjust outdoor activities accordingly to safeguard their skin health.
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 |
| Prestonsburg | 3 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 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 |