Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Merrillan, United States is crucial for protecting your skin and health from harmful UV radiation. As the UV levels can reach a peak of 10 during midday, awareness of the UV Index empowers residents to take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Merrillan's Dfb climate brings a mix of warm summers and cold winters, contributing to varying UV exposure risks throughout the year. By grasping the importance of UV levels, you can enjoy the sunny days while safeguarding your skin from overexposure.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index climbs steadily, peaking at an impressive 10 between 1 PM and 2 PM, marking the sun's intensity at its highest. Starting at a mild 1 at 7 AM, the index gradually rises, reaching 9 by noon and hitting 8 at 11 AM. The afternoon witnesses a slight dip, with values dropping to 7 by 3 PM and trailing off into lighter levels of 5 and 3 later in the day. By 7 PM, the UV Index returns to a soft 1, signaling the end of a sun-drenched day. It's essential to stay sun-safe during the peak hours, especially between 11 AM and 2 PM, when UV exposure can be most harmful.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | 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 undergo significant changes, with notable increases during the warmer months. January and December experience low UV exposure (Index 2), allowing for longer burn times of 45 minutes. However, as early as February, the index rises to 4, indicating a moderate risk with a burn time of 30 minutes. The high-risk months peak from April to August, with UV Index values reaching 8 to 10 and a burn time as brief as 15 minutes—these months are categorized as very high risk for sunburn. In September, UV exposure decreases slightly to a 7, still classified as high risk, necessitating caution with a burn time of 25 minutes. As temperatures drop in October and November, the index falls back to moderate levels, allowing for burn times of 30 minutes. It is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade—particularly during the April to August period, when the risk of skin damage from UV exposure is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrillan | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 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 |