Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Sterling Heights. As you enjoy the beautiful weather in this Dfa climate zone, awareness of UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and skin health. With peak UV exposure typically occurring from late morning to early afternoon, understanding how to protect yourself can make all the difference. On sunny days, the UV Index can soar to 9 around midday, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while enjoying everything our vibrant city has to offer!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 07:00, providing a gentle start to the day. By 09:00, it picks up to 3, signaling the need for a bit more awareness. The real warmth comes at 10:00, with the index reaching 5, and it escalates quickly as noon approaches. By 12:00, we hit 8, and at 13:00, the UV index peaks at 9, marking the height of solar intensity. As the afternoon progresses, values remain high but start to dip slightly: 8 at 15:00 and then down to 6 by 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the index falls to 4 at 17:00 and finally drops back to 1 by evening, reminding us to bask in the sun wisely and protect our skin during peak 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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, particularly peaking in the summer months. From April to August, visitors and residents should be especially vigilant as the UV Index reaches levels classified as very high (9-10), with minimal burn times of only 15 minutes. The highest risk months are June and July, which demand strict sun protection measures. Conversely, the winter months of January and December present lower UV exposure (Index 2), allowing for longer safe sun exposure—45 minutes before burning occurs. To protect against harmful UV rays, it is advisable for everyone to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing, especially during high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights | 2 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 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 |