Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Helenwood, United States, where the climate zones can lead to fluctuating sun exposure throughout the year. With peak UV levels reaching a high of 11 during midday, awareness of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. The Cfa climate here means that sunny days are abundant, posing a significant risk of overexposure to harmful UV rays. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the outdoors safely.
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 |
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 |
| Helenwood | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |