Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Etowah, United States, especially as we enjoy the sunny days typical of this Cfa climate. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin health issues, making awareness essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones. During the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can reach dangerous levels—peaking at 11—indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sunshine safely and maintain healthy skin year-round.
The UV Index for the day showcases a striking pattern, starting moderate at 7:00 AM with a value of 1. As the sun climbs higher, the index steadily rises, hitting 3 by 9:00 AM, and then surging to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday. Following the peak, the UV Index gradually declines to 4 by 5:00 PM and further decreases to 1 by 7:00 PM, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during the intense midday hours. It’s advisable to seek shade and wear sunscreen if you're outside during the peak period!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index demonstrates considerable variation, impacting burn potential and risk levels for skin exposure. The highest risk months occur from March to August, with values peaking at 11 during May, June, and July, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. February marks a shift into a high risk category, while September through November gradually decreases the UV levels, transitioning back to moderate by December. It is crucial for visitors and residents alike to exercise caution during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade to mitigate the potential for 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 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Etowah | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |