Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Meridian, United States, being aware of the UV Index is vital for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day can guide residents and visitors alike in taking the necessary precautions under the sun’s powerful rays. With a Cfa climate, Meridian experiences warm summers that bring heightened risks of UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index can soar to a maximum of 11. Staying informed about these levels not only helps protect your skin but also promotes overall health and well-being—so don’t underestimate the importance of checking the UV Index before stepping outside!
The UV Index for the day starts gently, with values peaking at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index escalates, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. A significant surge occurs between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, where it escalates dramatically, peaking at a striking 11 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM—a clear indication to seek shade and protect your skin. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with figures dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then to 7 at 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index returns to safer levels, resting at 1 by 7:00 PM. Keep in mind, high UV levels call for precautions, especially in the midday 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, reflecting varying levels of solar radiation exposure throughout the year. January and December have a moderate UV Index of 4, with a burn time of 30 minutes, while February sees an increase to 6, indicating high exposure risk. The risk becomes more pronounced from March through August, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 11, categorized as extreme; during this period, the burn time significantly decreases to just 10 minutes. September and October remain high at 10 and 8, respectively, while November returns to moderate levels. Therefore, visitors and residents alike should be particularly vigilant from March to August, taking necessary precautions to minimize sun exposure, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade 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 |
| Meridian | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |