Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for the residents of Salina, United States, where the semi-arid climate contributes to significant sun exposure throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin health, particularly during peak hours when the index can soar to dangerous levels, peaking at 12 around midday. With typical UV exposure risks escalating during sunny days, it’s crucial to protect your skin and enjoy the outdoors safely. Stay informed to enjoy the sunshine while shielded from harmful rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, reaching 1 by 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, signaling the start of the day’s UV exposure. Things heat up quickly, reaching 4 at 09:00 and then jumping to 6 by 10:00. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00, hitting 11, and just an hour later, 13:00, it reaches its maximum of 12. This high level continues until 14:00, where it remains steady. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline: jotting down to 10 at 15:00, then 8 at 16:00, and tapering off to 5 by 17:00. By the evening hours, it gently reduces to 3 at 18:00 and settles back to 1 by 19:00. This cycle underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 14:00 when UV exposure is at its strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes throughout the year, reaching its peak during the summer months. April through August are considered high-risk months for UV exposure, with indices consistently at 11-12, categorizing them as extreme. In these months, the burn time is reduced significantly to just 10 minutes, underscoring the need for protective measures. As the year transitions into fall, the UV Index begins to decline, with October and November still maintaining a high rating of 6-7. To ensure safety, both residents and visitors should be vigilant during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly. In contrast, during January and December, when the UV Index drops to 4, the risk is lower, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities without as much concern for sunburn.
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 |
| Salina | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |