Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Independence, United States, where the climate creates unique sun exposure challenges. The UV Index provides vital information about the strength of ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth's surface, helping you make informed decisions to protect yourself from painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. With typical UV levels peaking at 11 between noon and 2 PM, it's essential to remain vigilant against the sun's rays, especially during the warm summer months. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor activities that Independence has to offer while prioritizing your skin's health and safety.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic daily pattern, starting from a low of 1 at 7:00 AM, and gradually climbing to a peak of 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. As the sun reaches its zenith, 12:00 PM also sees a high of 10, signaling an urgent need for sun protection. After this peak, a downward trend persists, with readings dropping to 7 by 4:00 PM, and further declining to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of remaining vigilant about UV exposure during the midday hours when the risk is greatest, highlighting the necessity of precautions like sunscreen and protective clothing.
| 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 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences a significant increase from winter to summer, peaking during the high-risk months of May, June, and July, where it reaches an extreme level of 11 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into spring, March and April also show very high levels (UV Index 8 and 10, respectively), resulting in a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these months, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently, as exposure can lead to skin damage in a matter of minutes. From August to October, the index gradually decreases; however, September and October still present high risks (UV Index 10 and 8) with a burn time of 15 minutes. As winter arrives, UV levels dip to moderate, and the burn times increase to 30 minutes in November and December, suggesting a lower risk of UV exposure. Always prioritize sun safety, especially in the warmer months.
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 |
| Independence | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |