Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Harker Heights, Texas, where the sun can be both a source of joy and potential harm. With UV levels peaking at 12 around noon, being mindful of the UV Index can help prevent painful sunburns and protect your skin health from long-term damage. Given Harker Heights' Cfa climate, characterized by hot summers, the risk of harmful UV exposure is heightened during the day. Staying informed about the UV Index not only enhances your outdoor enjoyment but also safeguards your well-being under the Texas sun.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic shift in sun intensity. In the early hours, from 7:00 to 9:00, the index remains low at 1 to 3, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. However, as the sun climbs higher, the UV exposure peaks dramatically at 12:00 with an index of 10, reaching its highest point of 12 at 1:00 PM. This is the critical time for sun safety measures—sunscreen and protective clothing are essential! As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to a 7 by 4:00 PM and further to a gentle 1 by 7:00 PM. Overall, it's a day marked by a sharp rise and gradual decline in UV levels, highlighting the importance of staying shielded during peak hours.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months of May through September, where it reaches extreme levels of 11 to 12. The highest risk for UV exposure occurs from May to August, with burn times as short as 10 minutes during these months. In contrast, January and December show moderate UV levels with longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, especially from late spring through summer, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors, as the risk of sunburn and skin damage is exceptionally high during these periods.
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 |
| Harker Heights | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |