Solar Warning Index
A daily warning index forecasting the ultraviolet light radiation exposure for major cities in the United States designed to help people avoid skin cancer. The index is issued daily to forecast the amount of dangerous ultraviolet light that will reach the Earth’s surface at noon the next day. The scale is one to 10 in most areas, rising to one to 15 in regions that receive stronger solar radiation. The higher the number, the greater the danger.
The goal of the warnings, which are issued by the National Weather Service, is to remind people of the danger to their skin so they will use sunscreens and sunglasses and reduce exposure to themselves and their children. Damage from sun exposure accumulates over time, and much of the injury occurs during childhood. The general categories of hazard are:
Minimal (Index of 0–2)
Fair-skinned people may burn in 30 minutes; those with darker skins may be safe up to two hours.
Low (3–4)
Fair-skinned people may burn in 15 to 20 minutes; others may be safe from 75 to 90 minutes.
Moderate (5–6)
Fair people may burn in 10 to 12 minutes; others may be safe for 50 to 60 minutes.
High (7–9)
Fair people may burn in 7 to 81/2 minutes; others may be safe for 33 to 40 minutes.
Very High (10 and Up)
Fair people may burn in 4 to 6 minutes; others may be safe for 20 to 30 minutes.
The goal of the warnings, which are issued by the National Weather Service, is to remind people of the danger to their skin so they will use sunscreens and sunglasses and reduce exposure to themselves and their children. Damage from sun exposure accumulates over time, and much of the injury occurs during childhood. The general categories of hazard are:
Minimal (Index of 0–2)
Fair-skinned people may burn in 30 minutes; those with darker skins may be safe up to two hours.
Low (3–4)
Fair-skinned people may burn in 15 to 20 minutes; others may be safe from 75 to 90 minutes.
Moderate (5–6)
Fair people may burn in 10 to 12 minutes; others may be safe for 50 to 60 minutes.
High (7–9)
Fair people may burn in 7 to 81/2 minutes; others may be safe for 33 to 40 minutes.
Very High (10 and Up)
Fair people may burn in 4 to 6 minutes; others may be safe for 20 to 30 minutes.
