Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of the Panhandle, United States, where the combination of sunny days and a semi-arid climate can lead to elevated UV exposure risks. Awareness of UV levels is essential, as it plays a significant role in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. Typically, UV readings in the Panhandle can spike as high as 12 during midday, highlighting the urgent need for effective sun safety measures. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from sun exposure.
The UV Index is a crucial indicator of sun exposure throughout the day, and today’s data reveals a dynamic trend. Starting early, the index remains low at 1 until 09:00. However, it swiftly climbs, reaching a moderate 5 by 10:00 and peaking at an intense 12 between 14:00 and 15:00—a clear signal to take precautions against UV radiation. As the afternoon wanes, the index declines, settling back to a more manageable 3 by 18:00 and eventually dropping to 2 by 19:00. Always stay informed and protect your skin, especially during those 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from April to August. During these peak months, especially in June and July, the UV Index reaches a critical level of 12, categorized as extreme, where the skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. Accordingly, March and September also present substantial risk with UV Index scores of 8 and 10, respectively, classified as very high. February hits a high at 6, prompting caution as early as this month. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant from March through October, employing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are most intense. In contrast, the winter months, such as January and December, show a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes without immediate risk of burns.
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 |
| Panhandle | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |