What is the Ultraviolet (UV) Index?
The Ultraviolet (UV) Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities and avoid over-exposure to the damaging rays of the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the UV Index is issued daily as a national service. It is a forecast, of the amount of ultraviolet rays expected to reach the Earth’s surface when the sun is highest in the sky. The higher the index, the faster UV radiation causes damage to the skin and eyes. The index depends on the elevation of the sun in the sky, the cloud cover, and amount of ozone. The Index predicts UV levels on a 0-10+ scale and is usually published in daily newspapers with the weather or as a part of television weather reports. Always take precautions against over-exposure, and take special care when the UV Index predicts exposure levels of moderate to above (5-10+).
