Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Pinewood Estates, as it directly impacts sun safety and skin health. With its Cfa climate, this region experiences varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking at a striking UV Index of 12 around noon. Being aware of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage, especially during the warmer months when exposure risks are higher. By tracking the UV Index, locals can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities while safeguarding their skin.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a dynamic landscape of sun exposure. Starting with a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity begins to rise steadily, peaking at 12 between 13:00 and 14:00—prime time for taking precautions against harmful rays. At 11:00, the index hits 8, indicating a strong need for sun protection. The afternoon sees a slight decline, but still significant levels of 9 at 15:00, before tapering off to 4 by 17:00. As the sun dips lower, the UV Index reduces to a mellow 2 at 18:00, finally settling back at 1 as evening approaches. It's a clear reminder to manage your sun exposure wisely, 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, peaking in the summer months. From January (UV Index 5) to February (UV Index 8), there's a clear increase, with March and April maintaining high levels (UV Index 9-10). May through August sees the highest readings, particularly reaching UV Index 12 in June and July, indicating extreme exposure risk, where skin can burn within just 10 minutes. As the year transitions to September and October, the UV Index begins to decline but remains in the very high category until November (UV Index 6) and finally returns to moderate in December. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious between February and August—the high-risk months for UV exposure—by implementing protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Pinewood Estates | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |