Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of McAlester, United States, where the warm Cfa climate brings ample sunshine and potential risks for skin health. With UV levels soaring to a peak of 11 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining healthy skin. By knowing the UV Index, McAlester residents can make informed decisions about outdoor activities, helping to safeguard themselves against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation during the hottest parts of the day. Stay informed and protect your skin—knowledge is your best defense!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index ramps up rapidly, starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and gradually climbing to reach a peak of 11 by 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. This hour marks the height of sun exposure, where the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is significant. After this peak, the index begins to descend, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM, then tapering off to 6 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling back to a mild 1 by 7:00 PM. For those planning outdoor activities, early afternoon is best approached with caution and protection—a reminder that while the sun can be enjoyable, it demands respect!
| 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 | 6 | 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, so do the levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, significantly impacting exposure risk for visitors and residents. From January to March, UV Index values gradually increase from 4 (moderate) in January to 7 (high) in March, with burn times decreasing from 30 minutes to 25 minutes. The real concern arises in April and May, when the UV Index peaks at 10 (very high) and burn times shrink to just 15 minutes. The summer months of June, July, and August pose the greatest risk, showcasing an extreme UV Index of 11, allowing only a 10-minute exposure before burn. As fall arrives, September sees a slight reduction to 9 (very high) before tapering off to 7 in October, while burn times increase back to 25 minutes. By November and December, the index lowers to 5 and 4 (both moderate) with burn times returning to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months of April through August, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| McAlester | 4 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |