Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Sheldon, United States, where the warm Cfa climate often leads to high sun exposure, especially during peak hours. As UV levels can soar to a maximum of 10 around midday, being aware of these fluctuations is essential for protecting your skin against sunburn and long-term damage. With higher UV ratings indicating increased risks, particularly from 11 AM to 2 PM, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can significantly enhance your skin health and overall well-being. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine safely!
The UV Index reveals a dynamic ascent and descent throughout the day, peaking with intensity during midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, reaching 10 by 1:00 PM and maintaining this highest level until 2:00 PM. This critical window indicates significant sun exposure, and it’s essential to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, then gradually falling to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of being sun-smart during the peak hours to minimize UV exposure risks.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which pose varying risks for sun exposure. January and December maintain moderate UV levels (3), allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, while February sees a slight increase to 5. March marks the onset of higher risks with a UV index of 7, categorized as high, and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The months of April and May reach an alarming UV index of 10, labeled as very high, where burn time drops to just 15 minutes. The peak of danger occurs during June and July, with an extreme UV index of 11, demanding caution with an even shorter burn time of 10 minutes. August and September continue to present significant risks, both at a UV index of 10 and 9, respectively. As the year winds down, October sees a decrease to a high level of 7, while November and December return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months of March through September, especially during the peak summer months of June and July, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Sheldon | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 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 |