Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Ephrata, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health against the sun's harmful rays. With typical UV levels peaking at 9 during midday hours, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can mean the difference between a sunny day and painful sunburn. As a region located in the BSk climate zone, Ephrata experiences various exposures to UV radiation throughout the year, making it essential for residents to stay informed and proactive in their sun safety practices. By keeping an eye on the daily UV Index, you can enjoy outdoor activities while protecting your skin and reducing your long-term risk of damage.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a clear pattern of intensity, peaking at midday. Starting from a mild level of 1 at 07:00, the index rises steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00. The real surge occurs between 09:00 and 13:00, where it escalates from 4 to a striking 9—the highest point of the day. As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity slightly declines to 7 at 15:00, before tapering off to 5 at 16:00. The evening sees a further decrease, settling back to 2 by 18:00 and returning to 1 at 19:00. For those enjoying outdoor activities, it’s essential to take precautions, especially during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00 when the UV rays are most potent.
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risk occurring from May through August. During this period, the UV Index reaches very high levels of 8 to 10, necessitating caution as the burn time is reduced to just 15 minutes. April also marks a transition into high-risk months with an index of 6 and a burn time of 25 minutes. In contrast, January and December present the lowest UV exposure, categorized as low with burn times of 45 minutes. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to practice sun safety by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen, especially during the high-risk months of May to August when UV levels peak.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ephrata | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 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 |