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Summer months mean lots of time in the sun - but before you grab that towel and head for
the beach, you can read all about Ultraviolet Radiation, and how you should protect
yourself.
- What is UV Radiation?
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Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation is part of the invisible spectrum of light
that reaches the Earth from the Sun. Although the Earth's atmosphere
protects us from the bulk of these rays, those that get through are
still harmful. UV has been linked to sunburn, skin cancer, skin
wrinkling and aging, cataracts and other ocular damage. AccuWeather
provides current and forecast UV conditions for more than 1000 sites across the U.S.
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How is UV data collected?
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Like a pollen-count reading that records the level of allergens
in the air on a given day, sensors collect UV radiation data on
the amount reaching the earth at each site.
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How are the maps created from the data?
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AccuWeather meteorologists have developed algorithms that incorporate
current and forecast weather with "clear sky" UV readings to give current
and forecast UV for every place in the county. These UV readings are used
to create maps of the UV Index.
AccuWeather also makes available hourly current and forecast UV index readings.
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How do I read the maps?
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National and regional UV Index maps are updated every hour using
vibrantly colored bands, with an easy-to understand 5-category scale,
ranging from 0 (minimum levels) to 10 or more (very high levels). The
stronger the sun, the higher the UV Index number, indicating a greater need
for eye and skin protection.
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How do I protect myself?
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There are some steps that you can take to reduce your exposure to
UV radiation, and thereby reduce your risk. Some common sense measures:
- Wear appropriate clothing, such as sunglasses for eye protection, hats with wide
brims that can shade your face, shirts with long sleeves, and long pants. During
summer months you will need to strike a balance to strike between comfort and UV protection.
- Make sure you use a sunscreen product. Generally, the higher the SPF rating, the greater
the protection afforded. Waterproof sunscreens are available for those who will be
in the water or who perspire enough to wash off a normal sunscreen
- Limiting your exposure to direct UV will obviously have the most profound impact
on protection. Also, UV radiation generally peaks between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Limiting your exposure during peak hours will help.
- Be very careful when taking any medication that can increase the effects of
UV radiation! Check all of your medication before spending any time in the sun.
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