UV Index Definitions and Current Readings

The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The Index predicts UV intensity levels on a scale of 0 to 10+, where 0 indicates a minimal risk of overexposure and 10+ means a very high risk. Scroll down to see how long you can be exposed to the various UV levels before you burn, together with the recommended sun cream factor you should apply

The latest UV index forecast for the UK is provided by the Met Office and can be seen by clicking here and if you want to see the current LIVE UV index for this region then just click here or look below:

The UV Index is a forecast of the probable intensity of skin damaging ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface during the solar noon hour (11:30-12:30). The greater the UV Index is, the greater the amount of skin damaging UV radiation. How much UV radiation is needed to actually damage one's skin is dependent on several factors. In general, the darker your skin is — that is, the more melanin you have in your skin — the longer (or the more UV radiation) it takes to cause erythema (skin reddening).