Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Lead, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for promoting skin health and preventing painful sunburns. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection, especially during peak hours when the UV index reaches its maximum of 9 between noon and 1 PM. With Lead's Dfb climate, characterized by a mix of warm summers and cold winters, it's essential to recognize the potential for high UV exposure during sunny days. Equip yourself with this knowledge to enjoy the outdoors safely and protect your skin year-round!
The UV Index today presents a notable climb as the sun ascends, peaking at 9 around noon and early afternoon, signaling very high sun exposure risk. Starting gently at 1 by 7 AM, the index rises steadily, reaching 6 by 10 AM and then surging to its maximum of 9 between 12 PM and 1 PM. Early afternoon brings a slight decline to 8 at 2 PM, followed by a gradual decrease through the later hours, settling back to 1 by 7 PM. With this trajectory, it's crucial to take precautions during the peak hours of 11 AM to 1 PM, ensuring skin protection against harmful UV rays. Stay safe and enjoy the sun wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV index levels, which can significantly impact skin health. From January to February, the UV Index remains at a moderate level of 3 to 4, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, March marks the onset of higher UV exposure with an increase to a 6 (high) and a burn time of just 25 minutes. The risk escalates sharply in April and May, where the UV Index peaks at 9 (very high) and burn times drop to 15 minutes. The highest levels occur during the summer months of June and July, reaching an extreme 11 with a mere 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure before burning occurs. August and September remain risky with values of 10 and 8 respectively, necessitating vigilant sun protection measures. As temperatures cool in October, the UV Index diminishes to 5, falling to 3 in November and 2 in December, with longer burn times of 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions, especially from April to September, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risk of 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 |
| Lead | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 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 |