Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Fort Polk South is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the area's warm Cfa climate characterized by its humid subtropical weather. During peak hours, such as between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to a high of 11, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of UV levels, residents and visitors can take necessary precautions to safeguard their skin while enjoying the great outdoors. Regularly checking the UV Index empowers everyone to make informed decisions about sun safety, ensuring a healthier and happier time under the Louisiana sun.
The UV Index today rises steadily from the early morning, reaching a peak of 11 at noon and maintaining that intensity through the early afternoon. Starting at a mild 1 at 7:00, it quickly escalates to 2 at 8:00, then 3 by 9:00. At 10:00, it hits 6, and by 11:00, it soars to 9, signaling a significant increase in UV exposure. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index stabilizes at an alarming 11 from 12:00 to 14:00, before gradually descending to 9 at 15:00, and tapering off in the evening to 4 by 17:00, finally returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's a day to embrace the sun while keeping sunscreen and protective gear close at hand!
| 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 | 11 | 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 |
| 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 |