Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Bethel Springs as it serves as a key indicator of sun exposure and its potential risks. With UV levels soaring to a peak of 11 during midday hours, awareness can help you prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. Bethel Springs experiences a Cfa climate, which means warm, humid summers that significantly increase UV exposure. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can take proactive steps to shield yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects while enjoying the outdoors.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a dynamic trajectory, peaking during midday hours. Early in the morning, at 7:00 AM, the index is a mere 1, indicating minimal risk. However, as the sun rises, the intensity escalates sharply, reaching 11 by 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling a high risk period for unprotected skin. By 3:00 PM, there's a noticeable decline to 8, and it continues to fall gently, arriving back at 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring in May, June, and July, where it reaches an extreme index of 11. These months pose the greatest risk for sunburn, with a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months to be particularly cautious are March through August, as the UV Index remains very high to extreme during this period. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Conversely, in the winter months of December and January, the UV Index is lower at 3-4, indicating a moderate risk with a burn time of 30 minutes, allowing for slightly more leeway in sun exposure. Regardless of the season, it is essential to stay informed and protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
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 |
| Bethel Springs | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |