Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Mercedes, United States, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. Understanding UV levels helps you take preventive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring your health and safety under the Texas sun. With a Cfa climate that often brings intense sunlight, Mercedes residents must be particularly cautious during peak hours, where UV levels can soar to a staggering 12 around midday. Being informed about the UV Index enables you to enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure to the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a manageable 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. However, things heat up quickly as we move into the late morning; by 10:00, it spikes to 5, reaching 8 at 11:00. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, with an impressive index of 11, closely followed by 12 at 13:00 and 14:00—the sun is at its strongest! A gradual decrease follows, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and continuing down to 4 at 17:00. As the day winds down, the index relaxes further to 2 at 18:00 and returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's clear that today's UV risk peaks around midday, so remember to stay protected during those exposed 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index fluctuates significantly, with high-risk months typically falling between February and September. During this time, values soar to extreme levels of 12, especially in May through August, where the recommended burn time is only 10 minutes. In March and April, the index remains in the very high to extreme categories, with burn times decreasing to just 10-15 minutes. As summer gradually transitions into fall, the UV Index begins to decline, allowing for slightly longer burn times in October at 15 minutes, but still indicating a very high risk. For winter months, January, November, and December maintain a high exposure category but extend burn times back to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant, particularly during the peak UV months, taking proactive measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate the risks associated with intense sun 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Mercedes | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 |