Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the vibrant corn-growing regions of the United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for promoting skin health and preventing sunburn. As the sun's intensity varies throughout the day, understanding UV levels helps residents and farmers alike take protective measures against harmful exposure. With a Cfa climate, characterized by hot summers, corn enthusiasts should be particularly vigilant from late morning to early afternoon when UV readings peak at 12—a significant risk factor for skin damage. Embracing this knowledge not only safeguards you against potential harm but also encourages healthier outdoor activities in the lush landscapes of corn production.
At sunrise, the UV Index sits comfortably at 1, gradually rising as the day unfolds. By 09:00, it reaches 3, signaling the start of increased sun exposure. The real heat kicks in by 10:00, soaring to 5, and peaks dramatically at 12:00 with an alarming 10. The zenith arrives at 13:00, hitting 11, followed closely by a high of 12 at 14:00—an essential reminder to seek shade and protect your skin. As daylight wanes, the UV Index declines, tapering off to 10 by 15:00, and returning to a more manageable 5 at 17:00. By the time the sun sets, it cools down to 3 at 18:00, and finally drops to 1 by 19:00, highlighting the critical hours to stay sun-safe during midday!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates notable seasonal changes, with the most intense exposure occurring from April to August. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (10-12), significantly reducing the burn time to just 10 minutes. March and September also pose risks with very high levels (8-10), allowing for a burn time of only 15 minutes. Consequently, February and October present high levels (6-7), where protective measures are still advised with adjusted burn times of 25 minutes. Residents and visitors should exercise caution and protect their skin, especially during the high-risk months of April through August, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 |
| Corn | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |