Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Fort Thompson, United States, where the Dfa climate brings a mix of seasonal changes that can influence sun exposure. As the UV levels peak during the midday hours—with values soaring to 10 between 13:00 and 14:00—awareness of these readings is essential for protecting your skin from harmful effects such as sunburn and long-term skin health issues. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents can enjoy their time outdoors while effectively managing risks and ensuring their skin stays healthy under the South Dakota sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. However, by 09:00, intensity picks up to 3, and a notable climb ensues as the morning progresses. At 10:00, it reaches 4, and by 11:00, the UV Index skyrockets to 7, signaling the need for sun protection. Midday brings the peak hours—by 12:00 and 13:00, it hits a sizzling 9 and a maximum of 10, posing a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day winds down, the UV Index begins to gracefully decline: 9 at 15:00, followed by 7 at 16:00, 5 at 17:00, and finally settling at 3 by 18:00. The sun's fading rays continue to cast a softer light until it drops to 2 by 19:00, wrapping up a day where awareness of UV exposure was key to safe enjoyment of the outdoors.
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 | 4 | 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows notable seasonal changes, with the highest risk months occurring from April to September. During this period, the UV Index reaches very high levels of 9 or 10, particularly in May, June, and July, where the recommended burn time is just 15 minutes. In contrast, the UV Index is much lower during the winter months, peaking at 2 in January and December, suggesting a burn time of 45 minutes. As a guideline, visitors and residents should be vigilant in the spring and summer by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize skin damage. In the fall and winter, while the risk is lower, it's still advisable to remain aware of UV exposure, particularly on sunny days.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fort Thompson | 2 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
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 |
Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |