Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Sunflower, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin damage, and promote long-term wellness. With a Cfa climate, residents often experience high UV exposure, particularly during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the Index can soar to 11—indicating a severe risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about UV conditions not only empowers you to enjoy the outdoors safely but also helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches a moderate 4, signaling a need for some sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00 with a powerful 10, indicating strong sunlight. The highest point, 11 at 13:00, urges sun safety awareness as the afternoon sun bears down. However, relief comes as the sun begins to set; the index dips to 9 by 15:00, then gradually decreases to 4 at 17:00, and finally back to a safe 1 by 19:00. Throughout the day, staying vigilant against UV exposure is key!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, which significantly impacts sun exposure and the risk of skin damage. January and December are generally safer months with a moderate exposure category (UV Index 4), allowing for about 30 minutes of burn time. However, by February, the risk rises to high (UV Index 7) with a burn time of 25 minutes. The peak risk occurs from March to August, where the index reaches extreme levels (UV Index 10-12), allowing only 10 minutes of sun exposure without protection. High-risk months also include April and May, which feature very high to extreme categories. September and October still present significant risks with very high levels (UV Index 8-9). For the safety of residents and visitors, it is crucial to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and limit sun exposure during these high-risk months, particularly from late winter through summer.
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 |
| Sunflower | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |