Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Tappahannock, Virginia, where the climate is characterized as humid subtropical (Cfa), exposing you to varying UV levels throughout the day. Knowledge of these UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and safeguarding your skin health, especially when the index peaks at a high 10 around noon and early afternoon. With the sun's intensity increasing as the day progresses, being aware of the UV Index empowers you to take necessary precautions, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful Tappahannock outdoors while minimizing the risk of harmful UV exposure.
The UV Index today kicked off at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising as the sun climbed higher in the sky. By mid-morning, it reached 3 at 9:00 AM, and quickly escalated to a striking 10 by noon. This peak intensity was maintained through the early afternoon, where it held steady at 10 until 1:00 PM, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progressed, the index began to dip, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM and then tapering further to 5 by 4:00 PM. The evening saw a gentle decline to 1 by 7:00 PM, signaling a return to safer levels as the day drew to a close. Remember to stay protected during peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels fluctuate significantly, influencing exposure risks for both residents and visitors. January to February begins with a moderate UV Index of 3, increasing to 6 in February, indicating higher caution is needed as the potential for skin damage grows. By March, the Index reaches 7, and from April through September, it peaks at a very high level of 9 to 10, particularly in the summer months of May, June, July, and August. These months represent the highest-risk periods for UV exposure, with a critical burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year progresses, October sees a decrease to a high level of 7, followed by a return to moderate levels in November (5) and December (3). It is crucial for everyone to take precautions during high-risk months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 |
| Tappahannock | 3 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 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 |