UV Index Forecast for Stark County, Ohio

UV forecast: 18 May 2012 is 7.5   High 

UV forecast: 19 May 2012 is 7.9   High 

UV forecast: 20 May 2012 is 8.4   Very High 

UV forecast: 21 May 2012 is 8.8   Very High 

UV forecast: 22 May 2012 is 8.5   Very High 

UV forecast: 23 May 2012 is 8.0   Very High 

UV forecast: 24 May 2012 is 8.3   Very High 

UV forecast: is n/a  None

UV forecast: is n/a  None


What is the UV Index?
Some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable; however, too much exposure can sometimes be dangerous. Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause immediate short-term effects such as sunburn. To much sun exposure can also cause long-term problems such as skin cancer and cataracts. The UV Index, which was developed by the National Weather Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities and prevent overexposure to the sun's rays.

The UV Index provides an indicator of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The Index measures UV intensity levels on a scale of 1 to 11+, where lower index numbers indicate a minimal risk of overexposure and higher numbers mean an extreme risk. The UV Index takes into account clouds and other local conditions that affect the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground.

Regardless of the UV Index, the following sun safety measures are always encouraged:

• Do Not Burn.
• Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds.
• Generously Apply Sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear Protective Clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
• Seek Shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Watch for the UV Index.
• Get Vitamin D Safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.

Early detection of melanoma can save your life. Carefully examine ALL of your skin once a month. A new or changing mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

While you should always take precautions against overexposure to the sun, please take special care to adopt the safeguards when the UV Index indicates levels of moderate or above.

Exposure Category	Index Number	Sun Protection Messages
LOW	<2	You can safely enjoy being outside. Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen SPF 15+. In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength.
MODERATE	3-5	Take precautions if you will be outside, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses and using sunscreen SPF 15+. Reduce your exposure to the sun's most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.
HIGH	6-7	Protection against sun damage is needed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, use sunscreen SPF 15+ and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants when practical. Reduce your exposure to the sun's most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.
VERY HIGH	8-10	Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.
EXTREME	11+	Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.