Last updated: June 2, 2025
In O'Neill, Nebraska, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for ensuring skin health and preventing sunburn throughout the year. Understanding UV levels helps residents shield themselves from harmful rays, especially during peak hours when indices can reach a maximum of 10—a significant risk for overexposure. With O'Neill's humid continental climate, the summer months can bring intense sunlight; therefore, being aware of daily UV fluctuations not only promotes healthier skin but also enhances outdoor enjoyment safely. Whether you're planning a stroll in the park or a family picnic, keep an eye on the UV Index to protect yourself from sun damage!
The UV Index is a dynamic measure of solar intensity throughout the day, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a notable 9, reaching its zenith at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM with a maximum value of 10. During this period, it's essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Early morning hours remain quite low, peaking at just 1 by 08:00 AM, while by 10:00 AM the index climbs to 5. As the sun continues to rise, it climbs swiftly to 7 by 11:00 AM, making midday the crucial time for sunscreen and shade. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index gradually decreases, falling back to 5 by 5:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe return to outdoor activities. Stay vigilant and enjoy the sunshine safely!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, which are crucial for both residents and visitors to consider. From January to February, the UV Index is relatively moderate (3-5), allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes before burning. However, as we transition into March, the index rises to 6, marking the beginning of higher risk, with burn time decreasing to 25 minutes. The summer months of April through August experience significantly elevated UV levels, peaking at 10 with a very high exposure category, necessitating caution as burn times drop to just 15 minutes. September sees a slight dip to 8, while October and November return to 6 and 4, respectively, offering a reprieve before winter, where December presents a low UV Index (2) with an extended burn time of 45 minutes. To protect against UV exposure, particularly during the high-risk months from April to September, visitors and residents should wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and limit sun exposure, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
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 |
| O'Neill | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 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 |