Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Richland, United States, where sunny days frequently invite outdoor activities. Awareness of UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With Richland's semi-arid climate (BSk) often leading to higher UV exposure during midday hours, it’s essential to know when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. As the UV Index soars to a peak of 9 around noon, staying informed empowers you to enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels demonstrate significant seasonal variation, impacting the risk of harmful UV exposure. From January to March, the UV Index remains low to moderate, allowing for relatively safe outdoor activities with burn times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, April marks the start of higher UV levels, peaking in May through August with a very high category, where burn times dramatically decrease to just 15 minutes. Notably, July is the highest-risk month with a UV Index of 10, necessitating increased sun protection measures. In contrast, September through December sees a gradual decline in UV levels, reverting back to low and moderate categories, enabling longer exposure times once again. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to monitor UV levels during the high-risk months of May through August, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richland | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 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 |