Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Maple Heights-Lake Desire, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially during the peak summer months. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for protecting yourself, but also for making informed decisions about outdoor activities. With a Csb climate characterized by mild temperatures and fluctuating sun exposure, residents can expect varying UV risks throughout the day. From a low of 1 at dawn to a peak of 8 during midday, staying informed can help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a gradual rise in intensity, peaking at 8 between 1 PM and 2 PM, making this the most critical time for sun exposure. Starting the morning with a low index of 1 at 7 AM, the values steadily increase as the sun climbs higher; by 10 AM, it reaches 5, indicating moderate sun strength. As the sun continues its ascent, the index climbs to 6 at 11 AM and further escalates to 7 at noon, urging sun safety precautions. After hitting the afternoon high of 8, the index tapers off, dropping to 6 by 3 PM, before gradually descending to 1 by 7 PM. This daily cycle emphasizes the importance of protective measures during midday hours when the UV rays are at their strongest.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in UV Index reflect varying levels of sun exposure risks. The highest risk months occur from May to August, where the UV Index climbs to very high levels (8-9), reducing the safe burn time to just 15 minutes. Notably, April marks the transition to high exposure with a UV Index of 6, while February and March indicate a shift towards moderate levels (3-5). During the fall and winter months, from September to February, the UV levels drop significantly, creating lower risk periods. Residents and visitors should take preventive measures seriously during the high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Heights-Lake Desire | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 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 |