High UV Index forecast — How to protect yourself from the sun
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Tennessee Valley experienced a very high Ultra Violet (UV) Index on Tuesday with values reaching 10. As we head into the rest of the week, these dangerous conditions are forecast to continue.
With sunshine in the forecast for the coming days, the UV index is forecast to remain in the high to very high category.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the UV index value is forecast to hit 9 before we see it drop to 8 by Friday.
While shower and isolated storm chances are forecast to return to Thursday, breaks in clouds will occur when the sun’s rays are the strongest. By Friday, a cold front approaching the region will lead to thicker clouds and wider coverage of rain.
During any given day, the sun’s UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It’s crucial to take precautions to protect yourself from sunburn and limit the amount of time you spend outdoors. If you have to go outside, wear protective clothing, apply multiple layers of sunscreen, and seek shade when you can.
To check the UV Index forecast, you can go to the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
What are Ultra Violet Rays?
The sun helps provide many things for our planet between light and helping to warm the surface.
Here at the surface, we can see the visible light from the sun, but there is also the invisible light that could lead to health problems.
As light from the sun passes through the atmosphere, there is the visible light we can see but also invisible light. It is the invisible light known as UV rays that can be dangerous to our health.
As the ultraviolet radiation travels through our atmosphere, some of it is absorbed. UV light consists of UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C radiation.
Our atmosphere is made up of different levels, the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. Within the stratosphere is the ozone layer, which helps absorb some of the UV radiation that is produced by the sun. Although this layer can absorb some of the radiation, some are still able to make it to the surface. It is these remaining UV rays that could cause health problems.
Extreme exposure to the sun could increase someone’s chances of being diagnosed with skin cancer, immune system suppression, premature aging, or other health risks.
You can read more on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
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