Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Appalachia, where the region's varied climate can lead to fluctuating UV exposure levels throughout the day. As the sun's rays become more intense, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at 11, awareness of these UV levels is essential for protecting your skin from harmful effects like sunburn and long-term damage. Appalachia's humid subtropical climate, characterized by warm summers and moderate UV exposure, underscores the need for vigilance in skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can easily take necessary precautions to enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing health risks.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, indicating minimal sun exposure risk. However, by 09:00, it jumps to 3 and continues to climb rapidly, reaching a significant 8 by 11:00. High noon brings the peak UV index of 10 at 12:00, followed by an intense 11 from 13:00 to 14:00, signaling a critical time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index starts to decline, dropping to 9 at 15:00, then decreasing to 7 at 16:00 and 5 by 17:00. Post-sunset, the index falls sharply to 3 at 18:00 and settles back at 1 as the day concludes at 19:00. This data underscores the importance of staying shielded from midday sun when the UV radiation is at its strongest.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest values occurring during the summer months of May to July, where it reaches an extreme 11. March and April also see very high readings of 8 and 9, respectively. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from February to August, as these months pose a higher risk for UV exposure, especially from March to July. During these high-risk periods, it's crucial to limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. Conversely, UV levels are lower in January, November, and December, with moderate exposure categories, making sun safety less of a concern during these months. Maintain awareness of local UV Index reports and adjust sun protection accordingly to ensure safety year-round.
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 |
| Appalachia | 3 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 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 |