UV Index Forecast for the Southampton Area
(Predictions are for local solar noon and assume perfectly clear sky conditions)
| Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Thursday |
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| 3.5 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.1 | n/a |
| Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
What is the UV Index?
Some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable; however, too much could be dangerous. Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause immediate effects such as sunburn and long-term problems such as skin cancer and cataracts. The UV Index, which was developed by the National Weather Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities to prevent overexposure to the sun's rays. The UV Index provides an indicator of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The Index measures UV intensity levels on a scale of 1 to 11+, where low indicates a minimal risk of overexposure and 11+ means an extreme risk. The UV Index takes into account clouds and other local conditions that affect the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground. By taking a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of sun-related illnesses.
Exposure Category |
Index Number |
Sun Protection Recommendations |
LOW |
1 - 2 |
Wear sunglasses on bright days. In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen. But to be honest if you burn in these conditions then you have no business being outside in the first place. |
MEDIUM |
3 - 5 |
Take precautions, such as covering up exposed areas of skin and using sunscreen if you will be outside for long periods. Stay in the shade between midday and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest. More people get skin damage under these conditions because they believe there is no need for caution. |
HIGH |
6-7 |
Protection against sunburn is needed. Reduce time in the sun between 11am and 4pm. Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses and use sunscreen. |
VERY HIGH |
8-10 |
Take extra precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly. Try to avoid exposure to the sun between 10am and 4pm. Otherwise seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses and use sunscreen. |
EXTREME |
11+ |
Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses and use sunscreen. Avoid the sun between 9am and 5pm. Take all precautions possible. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes if not seconds. Do NOT underestimate the power of the sun. It WILL get you! Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and increase UV exposure and will greatly speed up burn times. |