Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Sterling City, where the sun can be more intense than you might think. With a climate characterized by semi-arid conditions, it’s essential to stay informed about the daily UV levels to protect your skin from harmful exposure that can lead to sunburn and long-term health issues. The UV Index here varies throughout the day, peaking at a significant 12 around noon, highlighting the importance of sun safety measures. By keeping track of these levels, you can make informed decisions about sun protection and enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin health.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a remarkable ascent and subsequent descent, reflecting the sun's peak intensity. Starting at a gentle 1 in the early hours of 07:00 and 08:00, the index gradually climbs to reach a moderate level of 2 by 09:00. However, it escalates dramatically at 10:00, spiking to 4, and by 11:00, the sun's rays are striking with a powerful force, resulting in a significant 7. The apex occurs at 12:00, hitting a striking 10, and shortly after, it peaks at 11 by 13:00 before achieving its highest mark of 12 at 14:00. As the afternoon progresses, there’s a noticeable decrease, with the index descending to 11 at 15:00, and continuing to decline to 5 by 17:00. By evening, it gently tapers off to 3 at 18:00 and finishes the day at a comfortable 1 by 19:00. With such fluctuations, it’s essential to stay protected during the midday hours when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
| Sterling City | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |