Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is paramount for residents of Cedar Valley, United States, where the climate often features warm summers and moderate humidity. With UV levels varying throughout the day, awareness can significantly impact sunburn prevention and overall skin health. For instance, during peak hours—particularly from 12 PM to 2 PM, when the UV Index reaches a severe 11-12—the risk of skin damage increases dramatically. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects while enjoying Cedar Valley's beautiful sunny days!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady climb, starting at 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it barely nudges to 2, but as the day progresses, so does the intensity of UV rays. At 10:00 AM, the index reaches 6, a clear signal to start protecting your skin. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM with a blistering 11, followed closely by a slight drop to 10 by 3:00 PM. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dipping to 3 by 6:00 PM, wrapping up a day where vigilance against UV exposure was paramount. Remember, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, your skin deserves extra care as the UV rays are at their strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index presents significant seasonal changes that indicate varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to March, the UV Index begins to rise, peaking in April—a month categorized as very high with a burn time of just 15 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are May, June, July, and August, where the Index reaches an extreme level of 12 and burn times are as short as 10 minutes. As the year progresses into September, the UV Index drops to 9, still considered very high. By late fall and winter months, the risk decreases significantly, ending the year with a UV Index of 3 in December. It is crucial for visitors and residents alike to practice sun safety during high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and 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 |
| Cedar Valley | 4 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |