Tampa Bay Spring Break Beach Safety: Check The UV Index

CLEARWATER, FL — As colleges and public schools across the country let out for spring break, the National Weather Service’s Tampa Bay area office is reminding beachgoers to be UV smart before they step out into the sun.

“This time of year, most of Florida sees UV indices of 8 or higher, meaning a substantial risk of sunburn if you forget sunscreen,” the agency warned on its Facebook page Wednesday.

Beachgoers who want to know their burn risks before they head out so they can take evasive action will find the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides a daily forecast for cities across the country. It also offers an extended forecast.

“The UV Index provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun,” the EPA explains on its website.

To protect against overexposure, it’s recommended those spending time outdoors use sunblock, limit time in direct sunlight and consider planning activities in the morning and late afternoon hours.

People who are visiting Tampa Bay area beaches can also check in on conditions at local beaches by using an online tool created by the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. Mote’s Visit Beaches website provides viewers with up-to-date information on 27 beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Information provided includes red tide status, wind direction, rip current monitoring and surf height, among other factors.

To find out what the conditions are like on local beaches, visit Mote’s website. To keep up with the UV forecast for the Tampa Bay area, check out the EPA online.

Image via Shutterstock

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