Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Northfield, United States, as it helps safeguard against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching a significant 10 during midday, awareness can be a key factor in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Northfield's Cfa climate means warm summers with ample sunshine, resulting in increased exposure risks. By staying informed about daily UV index ratings, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the chances of skin damage.
The hourly UV Index data reveals a dynamic shift in sun intensity throughout the day, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00, ideal for morning strolls. As the sun rises higher, the index escalates, peaking at a potent 10 between 12:00 and 13:00. This mid-day surge emphasizes the need for sunscreen and protective gear, as the risk of harm from UV rays increases significantly. By 15:00, the index begins to decline, settling at 7 before tapering off further to a mere 1 by 19:00, signaling a safe reprieve for evening outdoor activities. Stay aware and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit notable seasonal variations that can significantly impact sun exposure. January and December have moderate UV conditions (Index 3), allowing for a 30-minute burn time, while February shows a slight increase to Index 5, maintaining a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March reaches an elevated Index of 6, indicating high risk with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The risk peaks during the summer months—April through August—where the Index consistently hits 9 or 10, categorizing these months as very high risk for UV exposure, necessitating only 15 minutes of sun exposure before burning occurs. The risk diminishes slightly in September (Index 8) and October (Index 7) but remains significant, with shorter burn times of 15 and 25 minutes, respectively. November and December revert to moderate levels (Index 4 and 3). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from April to September, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to minimize the risk of UV-related 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 |
| Northfield | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 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 |