Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Fort Polk South is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Cfa climate, residents and visitors alike are susceptible to varying UV levels, especially during peak hours when the index can skyrocket to 12. By recognizing the potential risks associated with sun exposure, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and enjoy the sunny days in Fort Polk South safely. Whether you're heading outdoors for a stroll or working in the yard, staying informed about the UV Index can make all the difference in safeguarding your health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it climbs to a moderate 3, but the real escalation hits by 10:00, reaching 6 as sunlight intensifies. The peak occurs at 12:00 with an impressive 11, and it edges even higher to 12 at 13:00, marking the day's highest UV exposure. This powerful sun begins to wane slightly, dropping to 11 at 14:00 and 9 by 15:00, before gently tapering off to a more manageable 7 at 16:00. As evening approaches, the index falls to 4 at 17:00, then continues to decline, settling back to 2 at 18:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. Stay protected and enjoy the sunny hours while being mindful of the UV intensity!
| 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 | 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 | 7 | 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 |
| Fort Polk South | 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 |