Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Broadus, Montana, where the unique BSk climate can lead to varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day. Awareness of UV levels is essential not just for avoiding painful sunburns but also for protecting long-term skin health. With peak UV levels soaring to 10 around midday, it's important for both locals and visitors to stay informed about potential sun hazards. Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the sun, knowing the daily UV Index can help you make safer choices and keep your skin safe from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a clear progression in intensity, peaking at a formidable 10 around noon. The morning starts off relatively mild, with values of 1 at 7:00 AM gradually rising to 4 by 9:00 AM. As the day unfolds, the index escalates swiftly, reaching 8 by 11:00 AM and then hitting its zenith of 10 at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. After this peak, there’s a noticeable decline; by 3:00 PM, it drops to 8 and continues to decrease until it settles back at 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when UV exposure is highest.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 |
As the year progresses, residents and visitors should be aware of the seasonal variations in UV exposure. From January to February, UV levels gradually increase from a low index of 2 to a moderate 5. The transition into spring sees UV levels remain at 5 in March before peaking in April, when the index skyrockets to a very high 10, signaling the start of intense sun exposure. May through August continues this trend, maintaining a high UV index of 9 to 10, with a critical burn time of just 15 minutes. By September, the risk slightly diminishes to an index of 8, but remains significant. As autumn approaches, October and November revert to moderate levels, allowing for safer exposure times of 30 minutes, before the UV index drops back to low levels in December. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to take precautions during the high-risk months of April through September, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadus | 2 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 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 |