Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hereford, United States, as it serves as a valuable tool for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the high UV levels peaking at 12 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can empower you to take necessary precautions during the sunniest periods. Hereford's dry BSk climate contributes to potential UV exposure risks, making it essential to monitor UV Index levels and safeguard yourself against harmful rays. Whether you're working outdoors or enjoying recreational activities, staying informed about the UV Index can help you maintain healthy skin and enjoy the sun safely.
As the day dawns, the UV Index begins at a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 9:00 AM. The sun’s intensity peaks around midday, reaching a striking 10 at 12:00 PM and soaring to a maximum of 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with the index dropping to 11 at 3:00 PM, before tapering off to 9 by 4:00 PM. As the sun starts its descent, the UV Index further diminishes, settling at 3 by 6:00 PM and finally 2 by 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder of how the sun’s strength fluctuates throughout the day, encouraging us to stay protected during 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with high-risk months identified as March through August when indices reach very high to extreme levels. Specifically, April, May, June, July, and August consistently exhibit an extreme UV Index of 11-12, resulting in a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the lower risk months are January, December, and November, where the UV Index falls to moderate to high levels with longer burn times of 25-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during the peak summer months: consider wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during midday hours to minimize UV exposure and prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Hereford | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |