Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Poplar Bluff, United States, particularly as the region experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) that can amplify sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at a high of 11 during midday hours, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply running errands, being informed about UV levels can help you protect yourself from harmful rays and ensure a safe, enjoyable time in the sun. Stay vigilant, and remember: the higher the UV Index, the greater the potential for skin damage!
Today’s UV Index tells a compelling story of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting off gently at 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually picks up, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. As the day warms up, it surges to a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM and hits 6 at 10:00 AM. The sun shines fiercest at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index peaks at an impressive 10, nudging even higher to 11 at 1:00 PM. After lunchtime, we see a steady decline: it dips to 10 at 2:00 PM, falls to 8 by 3:00 PM, and continues its descent to 5 at 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index drops significantly, ending the day with a cozy 1 by 7:00 PM. Remember to take precautions during the peak hours for skin safety!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, with high-risk months occurring primarily from April to August, where the index reaches extreme levels of 10-11. During these months, the recommended burn time drastically decreases, dropping to as low as 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these high UV Index periods by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with a high SPF, and seeking shade during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM). As the UV Index returns to moderate levels in January, November, and December, the risk of skin damage decreases, but sun safety remains essential year-round.
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 |
| Poplar Bluff | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 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 |