Sunlight is essential for health due to its role in Vitamin D synthesis, but too much ultraviolet (UV) exposure poses risks like skin cancer and cataracts. Fair-skinned individuals are particularly vulnerable to burns. Protective measures are crucial during peak sun times, including wearing shirts, applying sunscreen, and using hats and sunglasses. Notably, UV levels aren't solely dependent on temperature; they can be significant even on cooler days, and clouds do not block UV rays, making awareness essential to prevent burns regardless of perceived weather conditions.
"UV is important for getting Vitamin D and keeping us healthy, but too much of it can cause skin cancer or eye cataracts," says Dr Michaela Hegglin from the University of Reading's Department of Meteorology.
"So slip into a shirt, slop on some sun cream, and slap on a hat and sunglasses during the hottest hours of the day."
"Your skin can burn just as quickly whether it's 30C or 20C," says BBC Weather's Helen Willetts. "And don't be caught out on cloudy days. UV will still penetrate thin clouds - so even if you don't think it's that sunny, you can still burn."
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