Last updated: June 2, 2025
In West Scarborough, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. As a region characterized by a Dfb climate, the area experiences significant UV exposure, especially during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, when UV levels can soar to 10—a high risk for sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By staying informed about daily UV levels, residents can take proactive measures to protect themselves, promoting healthier habits under the sun. Whether it’s applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, or seeking shade, knowing the UV Index empowers you to enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing risks associated with sun exposure.
The UV Index reaches its peak during the midday hours, showcasing a vibrant sun's intensity. Starting with a gentle 1 at 07:00, it gradually escalates to 3 by 08:00. As the day progresses, the index soars to 5 at 09:00, hitting 7 by 10:00. The real highlight occurs between 11:00 and 13:00, when it peaks at an impressive 10, urging everyone to take caution. Following this, the index begins a slow descent, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and gradually declining to 5 by 16:00. By 18:00, it reduces to 2, finally settling back at 1 by 19:00. This hourly data highlights the importance of sun safety during the peak hours of the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index experiences notable fluctuations, influencing both visitor and resident safety. January and December boast a low UV Index of 2, allowing for extended exposure times of 45 minutes without significant risk. However, as we move into spring with February and March, the UV Index rises to 4 and 5 respectively, indicating a moderate risk with a burn time of just 30 minutes. The high-risk months arrive in April through August, with peak values of 9 and 10 during May and June, categorizing the exposure as very high and shortening safe sun exposure to as little as 15 minutes. September sees a slight decrease to a high index of 7, while October and November return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during the higher UV months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen regularly to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Scarborough | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |