Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Fifth Ward, as it plays a significant role in promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the area's climate categorized as Cfa, residents face varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at an alarming 12 around midday. Being aware of these levels empowers the community to take necessary precautions, protecting themselves from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. As the sun shines brightly, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can make all the difference in maintaining healthy skin and enjoying the outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00 and gradually climbing as the sun rises higher. By 09:00, it reaches 3, but the real surge occurs at 10:00, leaping to 6. The peak comes at 12:00 with a blistering 11, continuing at 13:00 with a maximum of 12—a strong reminder for sun safety! As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity gracefully dips, falling to 9 by 15:00, then to 4 at 17:00. Finally, as daylight wanes, the UV levels drop back down to a soothing 2 by 18:00, and return to the calm 1 by 19:00. This progression showcases not only the sun's power but also the importance of taking protective measures, especially during midday hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months for sun exposure are from March to August, where values reach extreme levels of 11 to 12, necessitating a burn time as low as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially in these months, ensuring they apply sunscreen frequently, seek shade, and wear protective clothing. As the seasons transition, September and October still show elevated levels at 10 and 8, respectively, marking them as considerable months for UV exposure. It’s advised to remain vigilant even in the cooler months; while January and December pose a lower risk with UV Index levels of 5 and 4, adopting sun safety practices year-round is crucial for skin protection.
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 |
| Fifth Ward | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |