Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Shelby, United States, as it provides vital information about the level of ultraviolet radiation we are exposed to each day. This awareness plays a significant role in sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, helping you enjoy the outdoors safely. With a Dfa climate characterized by warm summers, Shelby experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at 9 during midday hours. Being informed about these levels can empower you to take protective measures, ensuring you soak up the sun without compromising your health.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a notable peak around midday, reaching a maximum of 9 at both 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Early in the morning, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the index remains at a low 1, indicating minimal UV exposure. As the day progresses, it gradually rises, hitting 5 by 10:00 AM and surging to 7 by 11:00 AM. The intensity continues to climb until it stabilizes at 9 during the hottest hours before gradually descending after 3:00 PM, dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM and returning to a comfortable 1 by 7:00 PM. For those planning outdoor activities, it's crucial to take precautions during the peak hours of 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM to avoid harmful UV exposure.
| 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 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk throughout the year. High-risk months include April to September, where the UV Index reaches its peak, particularly in June with an extreme level of 11; during this period, burn times decrease dramatically to as little as 10 to 15 minutes. During March, the UV Index escalates to a high 6, suggesting increased caution as well. In contrast, the winter months of January, February, November, and December show more moderate levels, with a UV Index around 3 to 5 and burn times of 30 minutes. To ensure safety, visitors and residents should take precautions during high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Shelby | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 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 |