The medical dangers of ultraviolet radiation are well known. The damage inflicted on a person’s skin and eyesight can have long-lasting effects. Short term overexposure to UV radiation can result in severe sun burns, while longer exposure can result in various skin cancers.

UV Forecast is an easy to use tool that lets you know when you’re at greater risk. Forecast data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration (NOAA) is accessed through GPS and geo-location services on your mobile device. The UV index, UV alert status, UV alert view and current temperature are displayed. The UV alert view provides information for users to take preventative measures against unusually high levels of UV radiation. Moving the cursor on the interactive color-coded UV intensity map lets you explore the same information for anyplace in the continental United States.

The UV index is a forecast of the amount of UV radiation reaching the earths surface when the sun is highest (solar noon). The UV index can be affected by the elevation of the sun, amount of ozone in the stratosphere, and the amount of cloud coverage. The UV index can range between 0 at night and 16 in tropical regions during solar noon with clear skies.

We urge you to use the provided forecast information to minimize your risk for skin damage.

In addition to watching the UV Index daily you can consider these steps:
- Limit exposure to the sun between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 or greater.
- Wear UV protective sunglasses
- Avoid sunlamps and tanning salons.