What is the purpose of the UV Index?

What is the purpose of the UV Index?

The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities to prevent overexposure to the sun’s rays. The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun.

What is the UV at the equator?

The UVI is usually presented as a forecast of the maximum amount of UV radiation expected to reach the Earth’s surface at solar noon. In countries close to the equator, the UVI can reach up to 20. Summer-time values in Northern latitudes rarely exceed 8.

What does it mean when the UV Index is high?

It tells us how strong the sun’s UV rays will be; the higher the UV Index, the greater the strength of the sun’s UV rays and the faster we may experience the damaging effects of overexposure.

What does the UV Index mean for tanning?

Your skin needs both UVA and UVB light to tan. Moderate includes UV index ranges from an index of 3 to 5, vs. high which is 6-7, very high which is 8-10 and extreme which is 11+.

Does UV Index need 0 sunscreen?

A UV Index reading of 0 to 2 means low danger from the sun’s UV rays for the average person. Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.

How long does it take to burn in UV 9?

Example of UV Index Forecast

UV Index Number Exposure Level Time to Burn
8 Very High 15-25 minutes
9
10
11 or higher Extreme 10 minutes

Where on earth has the highest UV?

Bolivian Andes
Summary: Researchers have measured the highest level of ultraviolet radiation ever recorded on Earth’s surface. The extraordinary UV fluxes, observed in the Bolivian Andes only 1,500 miles from the equator, are far above those normally considered to be harmful to both terrestrial and aquatic life.

Is UV higher near the equator?

UV exposure is lower in areas further from the equator because the sun is farther away. Exposure is also decreased because UV rays must travel a greater distance through ozone-rich portions of the atmosphere to reach the earth’s surface.

What does 11 UV index mean?

extreme risk of harm
A UV Index reading of 11 or more means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Does UV index need 0 sunscreen?

Sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, should always be taken when the UV index is 5 or above. The UV index is measured on a scale of 0 to 11+. 0 to 2: Low exposure to UV rays is expected for that day. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses on bright days, and cover up your skin if it burns easily.

What UV is best for tanning?

Good UV Index for tanning

  • UV Index 0 – 2. Low exposure level. Average time it takes to burn: 60 minutes.
  • UV Index 3 – 5. Moderate exposure level. Average time it takes to burn: 45 minutes.
  • UV Index 6 – 7. High exposure level. Average time it takes to burn: 30 minutes.
  • UV Index 8 – 10. Very high exposure level.
  • 11+ UV Index.

How does the UV index affect the weather?

The UV index shows the risk level posed by ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. The risk from UV is greatest when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky around midday. Thick cloud can greatly reduce UV levels but certain types of thin cloud, surprisingly, can magnify the effect.

What does radar tell you about the weather?

The observation maps tell you about weather that has already happened. Radar is used to detect where there is moisture in the atmosphere (which could be rain, snow, hail and very occasionally a large cumulonimbus cloud). The ‘echoes’ received by the radar are shown on the ‘observation’ charts.

Why is it important to know about UV radiation in Australia?

Information on ultraviolet (UV) radiation is essential for our lives under the Australian sun. We have one of the highest levels of UV exposure and highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

When is the UV Index highest in the UK?

All indices are available for UK locations, and the UV index is also available for some international locations. The UV index shows the risk level posed by ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. The risk from UV is greatest when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky around midday.