Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Taft Southwest, as it provides essential information about UV radiation levels that can impact your skin health. High UV levels can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer, making awareness vital for outdoor activities. In this region, characterized by a Cfa climate zone, typical summer days can see the UV Index peak at 12 around midday, signaling significant exposure risks. Being informed about these levels empowers you to take necessary precautions and enjoy the sun safely while maintaining your skin’s health.
The UV Index on this particular day reveals a dynamic shift in sun exposure as the hours progress. Starting off at a mild 1 at 07:00, it remains low until 09:00, when it begins to rise gradually. By 10:00, the index reaches 5, signaling the start of heightened UV radiation. The day peaks sharply at 12:00 with a breathtaking 10, and just one hour later, it hits its maximum at 13:00 with an impressive 12. As the afternoon continues, the UV levels begin to decline, dropping to 11 at 14:00, and further decreasing to 9 by 15:00. The evening hours offer a welcome respite as the index falls to 4 at 17:00, then down to 2 by 18:00, and finally returning to a low 1 by 19:00. It's a vivid reminder to stay protected 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 | 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 | 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, seasonal UV changes reveal significant variations in UV Index levels, with the most intense exposure occurring from April to September. During this peak period, the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11 to 12, indicating the highest risk for skin damage with a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. Specifically, February and October present high-risk months as well, categorized as very high, with burn times of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, while seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to reduce their risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In contrast, January and December showcase the lowest UV levels, categorizing as moderate, where a burn time can extend to 30 minutes.
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 |
| Taft Southwest (historical) | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |