United States UV Index Report

United States UV Index Area Search

Understanding the UV Index

What is the UV Index
Everyday the National Weather Service predicts the next day UV index forecast, this index can help you make choices to protect yourself from potentially harmful sun rays.The UV Index Scale is a scale from 0 to 15, with 0 being the lowest risk and 15 being the highest risk.
2 or less: Low
  • 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.
  • 3 to 5: Moderate
  • If outdoors, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
  • Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.
  • Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.
  • 6 to 7: High
  • Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours.
  • Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.
  • 8 to 10: Very High
  • Minimize 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.
  • Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours.
  • Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.
  • 11+: Extreme
  • 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.
  • Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours.
  • Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.
  • Health Effects of too much UV Index

  • Skin Cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Nonmelanoma skin
  • Other skin Damage
  • Cataracts
  • Other Eye Damage such as pterygium and macula degeneration
  • Immune System Supression

  • Source: EPA

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