Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Hereford, United States, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With Hereford's semi-arid climate characterized by ample sunshine, residents face significant UV exposure, particularly during the summer months. The data reveals that between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, UV Index values can reach as high as 11, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index today presents a fascinating journey through the hours. Starting off gently, with maximum values of 1 at 7:00 and 8:00, the intensity quickly rises to 2 by 9:00. As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index ramps up, reaching a notable 4 at 10:00. The real peak occurs between 12:00 and 14:00, where it soars to a striking 11—a clear reminder to protect your skin from the intense midday sun. After this peak, the index gradually declines, falling to 10 by 15:00 and continuing down to 3 by 18:00. The late evening restores some comfort, with the UV Index settling back to a calm 1 by 19:00. Remember, during those peak hours, it’s essential to stay safe and shield yourself from the sun's rays!
| 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 | 4 | 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 | 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, 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 |