Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Imperial, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Understanding the levels of UV exposure throughout the day helps residents prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health. From the early morning, when UV levels are relatively low, to midday, when they can soar above 10, it’s vital to stay informed to mitigate risks. Given Imperial's Cfa climate, characterized by warm summers, the potential for high UV exposure increases, making it essential for everyone to monitor the UV Index and take proactive measures for sun safety.
The UV Index data highlights a dramatic rise in sun intensity as the day progresses. Starting early at 1 around 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs to 10 by noon, peaking at a staggering 11 at 1:00 PM. This is the moment when UV exposure becomes most concerning, emphasizing the importance of sun protection. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gracefully tapers down, dipping to 8 by 3:00 PM and further declining to 4 by 5:00 PM. By the time evening rolls in, the UV Index settles back to 1 at 7:00 PM, signaling a reprieve from the midday sun. This data can be a crucial guide for planning outdoor activities safely throughout the day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal changes in the UV Index illustrate a notable increase in sun exposure risk from late winter through summer. January and December feature a moderate UV Index of 3, allowing for 30 minutes of potential sun exposure without burning, while February slightly rises to 5. The risk escalates significantly from March (UV Index 7) to April (UV Index 9) as the burn time decreases to 25 and 15 minutes, respectively. The peak occurs in June with an extreme index of 11, significantly lowering the burn time to just 10 minutes, marking it as a month of high concern. July, August, and September maintain a very high index of 10 and 9, suggesting that residents and visitors should take extra precautions, including wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, during these months. As temperatures cool down in October (7) and November (5), the risk subsides to high and moderate levels again, offering a slight respite. Overall, it is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant about UV exposure, especially during the high-risk months of April to September.
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 |
| Imperial | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |