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UV Alert
UV Index |
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UV Index scale |
How UV Index is calculated |
UV Alert |
Health effects of overexposure |
UV Index resources |
It's critical to know the level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation before you plan outdoor activities. The UV Alert system issues a notification when the level of solar UV radiation is predicted to be unusually high, and consequently the risk of overexposure is greater. UV Alert enhances the existing daily UV Index forecasts produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. The UV Alert provides SunWise action steps that you should take to reduce risk of overexposure. We encourage you to check the UV Index daily or to sign up using our free EnviroFlash service to receive the UV Alert by e-mail, including your community’s UV Index forecast and UV Alert information.
On this page:
Frequent Questions
Q: What is the UV Alert and what does it mean?
A: The UV Alert is a notification that the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching a given locality is expected to be unusually intense compared to historical levels in that locality. For example, if an area usually has moderate UV levels in the springtime but experiences a sunny day with higher than normal UV, there may be a UV Alert for that day.
Q: Is the UV Alert the same thing as the UV Index?
A: No, but the UV Alert is based on the UV Index. The UV Index is a scale, ranging from 1 (low) to 11+ (extreme), that indicates the intensity of solar UV radiation reaching the surface on a given day. A UV Alert is issued only when the UV Index forecast is at least 6 and also is higher than normal statistically (at or above the 95th percentile) for the date. Your area has a UV Index forecast every day, but there might be a UV Alert only a few days per month, or none at all.
Q: Why is EPA providing the UV Alert?
A: EPA is providing the UV Alert because overexposure to UV radiation from the sun is the most preventable cause of skin cancer. The UV Alert, along with the UV Index, notifies you that the risk of overexposure is greater than usual and provides a few simple SunWise action steps that children and adults can use to protect themselves.
Q: How can I find out if there is a UV Alert for my area?
A: The UV Alert, if one has been issued for your area, will accompany EPA’s UV Index forecast. You can find UV Index forecasts by ZIP Code at EPA’s SunWise website: http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html. Also, you can sign up to receive e-mails with your area’s UV Index forecast and the UV Alert at https://enviroflash.epa.gov.
Q: What should I do if there is a UV Alert for my area?
A: If EPA has issued a UV Alert for your area, you should take the following simple SunWise action steps:
- Minimize time in the sun, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Cover up with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to any exposed skin.
Resources
You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.
What is the UV Index? - A fact sheet for the general public that explains the UV Index and the UV Alert. (Also available as PDF, 2 pp, 1.4M)
A Guide to the UV Index (PDF) (8 pp, 2.1MB) - A brochure for meteorologists, educators, and public health officials on recommendations for reporting the UV Index.
UV Safety: The Global Solar UV Index (PDF) (1 p., 109K) - A poster displaying the UV index scale and action steps.
Look Up Your UV Index by ZIP Code or City & State
Sign up to receive the UV Index forecast and UV Alerts for your city
UV Alert Map - National Weather Service map showing areas of the continential U.S. with a UV Alert.
Contacts
For general information and questions from meteorologists:
Luke Hall-Jordan (Hall-Jordan.Luke@epa.gov)
202-343-9591
For public health professionals and questions about EPA's SunWise Program:
Linda Rutsch (Rutsch.Linda@epa.gov)
202-343-9924
National Weather Service:
Craig Long (Craig.Long@noaa.gov)
301-763-8000 ext 7557