Last updated: May 3, 2025
In The Plains, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 10 during midday, being aware of these readings helps prevent sunburn and promotes overall skin health. The humid subtropical climate of The Plains, characterized by hot summers, increases the risk of UV exposure, making it essential for residents to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, starting at 1 at 07:00. By 09:00, it climbs to 3, hinting at the day's potential for sun exposure. The heat peaks around 12:00, reaching a blistering 9, and hits its maximum at 13:00 and 14:00, both at a high of 10—a critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon transitions to evening, the UV Index gradually dips; by 18:00, it's down to 2, and as twilight approaches, it settles back at 1 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely to stay safe in the sun!
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure changes significantly, with high-risk months identified from April to September, when the UV Index reaches notably high levels of 9 to 10. During these months, burn times are critically reduced to just 15 minutes, requiring extra caution. March marks the transition to higher UV levels, with an index of 7 and a 25-minute burn time, while January and February begin with a moderate UV Index of 3 to 5 and longer burn times of 30 minutes. As we move into the fall, UV exposure decreases, dropping to 4 in November and 3 in December. Visitors and residents are advised to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during high-risk months, 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 |
The Plains | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 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 |