Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents of Claude, Texas, where the high plains climate often brings clear skies and strong sunlight. Understanding UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health, as exposure to high UV radiation can lead to harmful effects. With typical midday indices peaking at 12, the risk of overexposure increases significantly. As you plan your outdoor activities in this vibrant community, staying informed about UV levels can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun’s potentially damaging rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic rise and fall, starting off gently with maximum readings of 1 at 7:00 and 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity sharply increases, hitting 2 at 9:00 AM and reaching 5 by 10:00 AM. The peak occurs around 1:00 PM, soaring to an impressive 12, indicating a significant potential for skin damage without protection. This high level is sustained until 3:00 PM, after which the index gradually declines, dropping to 6 at 5:00 PM and finishing the day at a safer 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s crucial to plan outdoor activities accordingly, especially during those peak hours where the sun’s rays are most intense!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable changes, peaking during the summer months. From March to August, UV levels rise significantly, with April to July marking the highest-risk months, exhibiting extreme levels of UV exposure (Index 11-12) and requiring only 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure before risking skin burn. As a result, it's crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. Conversely, the winter months (January, November, December) present moderate UV levels (Index 4-5) and have longer burn times of 30 minutes, still warranting some level of sun protection but with less urgency. Overall, increased awareness and protective practices are essential, especially from March to August, to mitigate the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Claude | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |