UV Levels High Thursday Across Southland

Thursday's ultraviolet index level in the Southland will be 9, according to the National Weather Service. The reading indicates what the UV exposure is expected to be at noon, when the sun's rays are at their strongest. Considered "high exposure" an ultraviolet index level of 9 is considered a high exposure level, increasing your risk of sunburn if you are outside, unprotected, longer than 7-8 minutes.

A reading of 0-2 indicates a minimal exposure level, and very fair- skinned people could become sunburned in 30 minutes if not properly protected.

A reading of 3-4 is considered a low exposure level, reducing the danger range for those with fair complexions to 15-20 minutes if not protected.

A moderate exposure level of 5-6 indicates that a person with a fair complexion could be safe from sunburn for 10-12 minutes, unless protected.

A very high exposure level reading of 10, or greater, means a fair- skinned person could suffer a sunburn in about four minutes if not protected.

Ultraviolet radiation is blamed for a host of health problems, including skin cancer and cataracts.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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