Protect yourself: Sun’s rays now as strong as they are in August

With May just around the corner, and as we get closer to the start of summer, we are seeing growing daylight hours.

And, in turn, we are getting more ultraviolet light (UV) penetrating through the Earth's atmosphere as the angle of the sun gets higher.

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But do not wait until the summer heat to grab your sunscreen. In fact, you should already be wearing it. Did you know the sun’s strength at this time of year is the same as in August?

Although it may not feel like it with cooler daytime highs in May versus August, it is true. The sun’s UV strength for those two months is equal, posing the same health risks to Canadians.

Here is the science.

In May, the Earth is tilting towards the sun until it peaks in the summer. In August, the Earth begins tilting away from the sun until the fall equinox.

The current angle of the sun is in the same position as it would be at the end of August, so expect an equivalent in the UV ratings right now as you would then.

That is true no matter where you live in Canada. The only difference is the strength of the UVs are less for those in higher latitudes.

So, don’t wait until the summer heat builds up to protect yourself. The sun is already summer-strong!

With files from Rachel Modestino, a meteorologist at The Weather Network, and Nathan Howes, a digital reporter at The Weather Network.