Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Zapata, Texas, where the sun can be unforgiving, especially during peak hours. With UV levels reaching up to 12 around midday, awareness of these measurements can significantly help in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Given Zapata's semi-arid climate, it's essential to know when to seek shade or apply sunscreen to mitigate risks associated with high UV exposure. Stay informed and keep your skin safe while enjoying the sunny days in this vibrant community!
The UV Index peaks dramatically throughout the day, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00 and gradually rising to an exhilarating high of 12 by 13:00. This midday surge reflects a prime time for sun exposure, where the risk of harm increases substantially. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches its zenith at 12:00, marking 10 as the tipping point where sun safety becomes crucial. After the midday peak, it begins a gradual descent, settling to a more moderate 4 by 17:00, before tapering off to 1 by 19:00. With these fluctuations, it's essential to stay vigilant and protect your skin during the peak UV 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 | 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 | 10 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so do UV levels, significantly impacting skin safety for both visitors and residents. From January to March, the UV Index rises from 6 to 10, indicating high to very high exposure risk, with burn times decreasing from 25 minutes to just 15 minutes. April through August marks the peak months for UV intensity, consistently at 12, categorized as extreme, where even short exposures of 10 minutes can lead to sunburn. In September, UV levels remain high at 11 before tapering off through October with a 9, and finally decreasing to 5 in December, classified as moderate. For optimal sun safety, it is crucial for individuals to plan outdoor activities accordingly, particularly during the spring and summer months, ensuring protective measures such as sunscreen, clothing, and shade are utilized.
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 |
| Zapata | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |