Less pollen, more sun. With the changing seasons, Now Habersham is adding the UV Index to its daily ‘weather you can use’ reports.
The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected intensity of UV radiation from the sun. It runs on a scale of 1-11 and rates UV radiation at solar (high) noon when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
Now Habersham’s UV Index covers Northeast Georgia. It’s on our home page and posted to our Facebook page. Use the Index and follow the EPA sun safety guidelines outlined below to plan your outdoor activities and avoid harmful UV radiation exposure.
UV Index scale
1-2: Low
No protection needed. You can safely stay outside using minimal sun protection.
3-7: Moderate to High
Protection needed. Seek shade from late morning through mid-afternoon. When outside, generously apply broad-spectrum SPF-15 or higher sunscreen to exposed skin and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
8+: Very High to Extreme
Extra protection needed. Be careful outside, especially from late morning through mid-afternoon. If your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and generously apply a minimum of SPF-15, broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin.
The Shadow Rule
An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow:
If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be lower.
If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.
