Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of New Castle, United States. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially during the peak hours when the sun is strongest. New Castle, nestled in a Dfb climate zone, experiences significant seasonal variation, making it essential to keep an eye on UV exposure throughout the year. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 9 around midday, it's important for locals to take proactive steps to protect themselves and enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index for today presents an intriguing journey through the hours. It starts off gently at 1 at 07:00, but as the morning progresses, it climbs swiftly to 2 by 08:00 and reaches a moderate 4 at 09:00. The sun intensifies its rays further, peaking at a robust 9 between 12:00 and 13:00—a reminder to take precautions against harmful UV exposure. Following this peak, the index gradually descends, dipping to 6 at 15:00, and mellowing down to 1 by 18:00. This pattern highlights the importance of seeking shade or applying sunscreen during the midday hours when UV radiation is most potent.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from April to August. During this peak period, particularly in May and June, the UV Index reaches 10 and 9, categorized as very high, indicating a burn time of only 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should pay special attention to April through August as these months represent the highest risk for UV exposure. In contrast, January, December, and November show much lower UV levels, categorized as low or moderate, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 to 45 minutes without significant risk. It is advisable for individuals to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen, particularly during the high-risk months from April to August, to minimize the chance of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Castle | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 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 |