Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Fritch, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents avoid sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly as Fritch experiences significant UV exposure due to its BSk climate. During peak hours, especially from noon to 2 PM, the UV Index can soar to dangerous levels of 11, making it essential to take precautions if you're outdoors. By keeping an eye on these levels, you can enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding your skin's health.
The UV Index journey throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun exposure. Starting off the day, the index is at a gentle 1 by 07:00, gradually rising to 2 by 09:00. However, the real action begins at 10:00, where it leaps to 5, reaching a peak of 11 between 13:00 and 14:00—the sun is at its most intense! As the afternoon wanes, the intensity begins to taper off, dropping to 10 at 15:00 and further declining to 3 by 18:00. Finally, the day closes with a soothing 1 at 19:00, inviting everyone to bask in the warmth of a setting sun, but reminding us to stay sun-safe during the peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | 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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 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 |
| Fritch | 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 |