Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Electric City, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a climate characterized by dry, sunny conditions typical of a BSk zone, residents face varying UV exposure throughout the day. Knowing the UV levels is essential in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially when peak indices climb to 8 between noon and 2 PM. Stay informed, be sun-smart, and enjoy the great outdoors while keeping your skin safe!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a clear trajectory of increasing intensity, peaking at 12:00 PM when it reaches an impressive 8. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually climbs, hitting 5 by 10:00 AM. The sun’s strength becomes undeniable as it soars to 7 at 11:00 AM and maintains a robust 8 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index drops to 6 by 3:00 PM and continues to decrease, settling back to a mild 1 by 7:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours when the UV Index is at its highest, particularly from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months typically occurring from May to August, when the index peaks at 9, indicating very high exposure levels. During these months, a burn time of only 15 minutes is sufficient to cause skin damage, prompting visitors and residents to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. Conversely, the winter months of January and December see low UV levels (index 2) with a burn time of 45 minutes, making outdoor activities less risky. February through April transition to moderate to high levels; thus, it's essential to remain vigilant and adjust sun protection habits accordingly. Always check the UV Index before heading outdoors, particularly in the summer months, to ensure safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric City | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |