Latest news with #RichardWeller
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Americans Warned To Stay Out of the Sun in 22 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Twenty-two states will experience elevated ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Why It Matters According to the EPA, high levels of UV radiation significantly raise the chances of skin burns, eye injuries and long-term health issues such as skin cancer. What To Know A UV alert forecast graphic from the two agencies showed that parts of the following 22 states were expected to experience UV levels that are "well above normal." Arizona Arkansas California Illinois Kentucky Maine Michigan Missouri Nevada New Mexico North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon South Carolina Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin The EPA/NWS UV alert forecast shows areas of "near or below" levels of UV radiation (white), areas expected to be "above normal" (yellow) and areas expected to be "well above normal" (red). The EPA/NWS UV alert forecast shows areas of "near or below" levels of UV radiation (white), areas expected to be "above normal" (yellow) and areas expected to be "well above normal" (red). NWS/EPA "If you are within a UV Alert region extra precautions should be taken to protect oneself from the sun's UV radiation," the alert advised. Health officials advise minimizing UV exposure by staying out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., regularly reapplying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade. Extreme heat warnings were in place from the NWS early this week for multiple states, including Arizona, California and Nevada. Grand Canyon hikers were warned to limit physical activity because of forecasts of extreme heat, with "dangerously hot conditions" below 4,000 feet expected on Monday. Daytime temperatures were set to range from 102 degrees Fahrenheit at Havasupai Gardens, to 114 degrees at Phantom Ranch. "Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., hikers should be out of the canyon or at Havasupai Gardens or Bright Angel campgrounds," the NWS said at the time. "Physical activity is discouraged," it added. Elsewhere, heat advisories were also in effect for New Mexico and West Texas. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva previously told Newsweek: "The best advice for people is to limit time outside in the sun during peak heating hours if possible and to use sunscreen. It is also recommended to wear a hat if spending a lot of time outside. People are also urged to stay hydrated in the heat." Richard Weller, a professor of medical dermatology at the University of Edinburgh, previously told Newsweek: "Sunburn is a risk factor for melanoma skin cancer, which is the most serious of the skin cancers." What Happens Next AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva earlier told Newsweek that UV levels would likely keep rising as summer approached.
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions of Americans Warned to Avoid the Sun in 7 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of Americans across seven states in the Southwest are facing high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels from the sun later this week, a forecast map from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed. Why It Matters Per official guidelines from the EPA and National Weather Service (NWS), levels in this area present an "extreme" risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. A forecast map shows which areas could see the highest UV levels later this week. A forecast map shows which areas could see the highest UV levels later this week. EPA What To Know The UV index runs on a scale of one to 11. The levels, and their corresponding advice are as follows: 1—2: Low—Minimal risk from UV rays for the average person. Wear sunglasses on bright days. In winter, snow can reflect UV and nearly double exposure. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen if you burn easily. 3—5: Moderate—Moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen. Stay in the shade near midday when the sun is strongest. 6—7: High—High risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Limit sun time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen. 8—10: Very High—Very high risk of harm; sun protection is essential. Take extra precautions including wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves. Minimize exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Be aware: white sand and similar surfaces reflect UV and increase exposure. 11+: Extreme—Extreme risk of harm; unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reapply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours. Seek shade, wear full coverage, and use sun protection. According to the EPA's UV index forecast for May 10, solar noon, parts of Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and California could see levels of at least 11 on this day. Solar noon is the time when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky at a given location. At this level, officials advise that skin "can burn in minutes," and exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., should ideally be avoided. What People Are Saying Anthony Young, emeritus professor of experimental photobiology, dermatology, at King's College, London told Newsweek: "The UV index (UVI) is a measure of the sunburning power of sunlight … The higher the UVI the shorter the time you need in the sun to burn." Richard Weller, professor of medical dermatology, at the U.K.'s University of Edinburgh told Newsweek that sunlight can cause photoaging—premature aging of the skin as a result of prolonged and repeated exposure to UV radiation. "Sunburn is a risk factor for melanoma skin cancer, which is the most serious of the skin cancers," he added. What Happens Next The UV index forecast map is created daily using NWS forecast data. Those interested in finding the time of solar noon in their location can use the sunrise-sunset-solar noon calculator at the NOAA website.
