Americans Advised To Avoid the Sun in 16 States

Americans in at least 16 states could see heightened levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on Friday, according to a forecast published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Why It Matters

The EPA cautions that elevated UV radiation levels can increase the risk of skin burns, eye damage and long-term health problems such as skin cancer.

What To Know

The UV index ranges from 1 to 11. The levels, and their corresponding advice, are:

1-2: Low (minimal risk from UV rays for the average person)

• Wear sunglasses on bright days.
• In winter, snow can reflect UV rays and nearly double exposure.
• Use SPF 15+ sunscreen if you burn easily.

3-5: Moderate (moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure)

• Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Use SPF 15+ sunscreen.
• Stay in the shade near midday when the sun is strongest.

6-7: High (high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure)

• Seek shade during the midday hours.
• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and SPF 15+ sunscreen.

8-10: Very High (very high risk of harm; sun protection is essential)

• Take extra precautions, including wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves.
• Minimize exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Be aware: white sand and similar surfaces reflect UV rays and increase exposure.

11+: Extreme (extreme risk of harm)

• Try to avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Reapply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours.
• Seek shade, wear full coverage, and use sun protection.

According to the EPA’s UV index forecast for solar noon—when the sun is at its highest point in the sky—parts of the following states could see levels of at least 11 on Friday.

• California
• Nevada
• Utah
• Wyoming
• Arizona
• Colorado
• New Mexico
• Texas
• Oklahoma
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Alabama
• Georgia
• Florida
• North Carolina
• South Carolina

What People Are Saying

Antony Young, emeritus professor of experimental photobiology and dermatology at King’s College, London, previously told Newsweek: “The UV index [UVI] is a measure of the sunburning power of sunlight….The higher the UVI, the shorter the time you need in the sun to burn.”

Richard Weller, a professor of medical dermatology at the University of Edinburgh, previously told Newsweek that sunlight can cause photoaging, the premature aging of the skin as a result of prolonged and repeated exposure to UV radiation.

“Sunburn is a risk factor for melanoma skin cancer, which is the most serious of the skin cancers.”

What Happens Next

Each day, the UV index forecast map is created using data provided by the National Weather Service, the EPA says.