Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Gates-North Gates, as it provides essential information on the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Being aware of UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and protect your skin health, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors safely. Given the region's Dfb climate, with moderate exposure to UV rays peaking around midday, it's important to stay informed about daily UV readings. With indexes reaching a maximum of 9 during the summer months, taking precautions during these high-risk hours is vital for safeguarding your skin against potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, indicating that sun protection becomes a consideration. The intensity picks up significantly by 10:00 AM, reaching 5, before peaking at 12:00 PM with a striking 9. Notably, this peak persists through 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, where the UVI remains steady, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the day winds down, the index gradually declines—dropping to 4 by 5:00 PM and trailing off to 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data not only highlights the importance of sun safety during the midday hours but also serves as a reminder to plan activities accordingly!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with maximum exposure typically occurring between April and August. During this peak period, the UV Index reaches very high levels (8-10), with a notably short burn time of just 15 minutes, making May and June the highest risk months for skin damage. Conversely, the winter months (January, February, and December) present a much lower risk, with UV indexes classified as low to moderate. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV exposure is most intense. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause harm, so it’s essential to stay vigilant year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gates-North Gates | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 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 |