Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Mertzon, Texas, a town with a semi-arid climate that often brings intense sun exposure. With UV levels peaking around 12 during the midday hours, awareness of these readings can significantly contribute to sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can plan your outdoor activities safely, ensuring you protect your skin against harmful effects and enjoy the warm, sunny days that Mertzon is known for. Stay informed, stay safe, and embrace the sunshine responsibly!
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing as the sun rises. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a modest 2, but as the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the intensity surges to a moderate 5. The sun's power peaks around noon, with a striking 10, and maintains an impressive 12 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, falling back to 10 at 3:00 PM, before tapering off to 5 by 5:00 PM. By evening, the UV Index drops to a comfortable 3 at 6:00 PM and settles back at 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe respite from the sun's relentless 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 | 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 | 12 | 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 exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring from March to September. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 12, which translates to a burn time of as little as 10 minutes. Specifically, April through August are the highest risk months, categorizing sun exposure as extreme. Conversely, January, February, November, and December present lower exposure risks, with a UV Index ranging from 5 to 7 and burn times of 25 to 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures during high UV months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Mertzon | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |