Latest news with #UVIndex
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tips to safely enjoy Vermont's lakes this summer
MONTPELIER and BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – People having fun out on Lake Champlain and Vermont's other lakes this summer will want to make sure to bring a map, life jacket, and to make sure small boats are clean and dry after getting out of the water. Those are three out of a total of 17 recommendations by Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources. Fish & Wildlife announces statewide Summer Free Fishing Day this June While most boaters are aware they shouldn't be driving a boat while drunk or under the influence, some other recommendations are less known, such as the requirement to travel slower than 5 miles per hour when within 200 feet of the shore or any swimmer or other boat. Cleaning, draining, and drying boats after taking them out of the water helps prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants from lake to lake, such as water chestnut and curly-leaved pondweed. The University of Vermont's Cancer Center, which is visiting communities in Vermont and Northern New York this summer, also reminds anyone enjoying the sun to wear sunscreen and cover up. Water reflects up to 80% of the sun's damaging UV rays, which puts swimmers and boaters especially at risk – not to mention that an unpleasant sunburn can ruin a fun vacation. Welch, Sanders, Gillibrand urge federal funding for Lake Champlain programs 'We have a lot of power when it comes to skin cancer prevention – and it's easy things that make a big difference,' said dermatologist Santana VanDyke. Among their recommendations, which reflect national standards, are to put on sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, wear UVA or UVB-rated sunglasses, and wear a wide-brimmed at to protect your face. Even on cloudy days in summer, people are still at risk of sunburn, since up to 80% of the sun's rays can still make it through the clouds. People planning on extended outdoor activity should check the forecast UV Index, such as by using a mobile app recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County warned of major to extreme heat risk
A record challenging heat is stifling South Florida with temperatures not typically seen until deep summer as a loitering area of high pressure pushes out over the next few days. The National Weather Service in Miami noted pockets from West Palm Beach through Miami where the risk of heat related illnesses has been elevated to "extreme" — the highest warning level on a new heat risk index introduced in 2024. For West Palm Beach, the daytime high temperature is forecast to reach 94 degrees on May 21, just two degrees shy of the 2008 record of 96 degrees. The normal high temperature for May 21 is 86 degrees. It's not until mid July that the average peak temperature as measured at Palm Beach International Airport reaches 90 degrees. "It's going to be very uncomfortable," said Ana Torres-Vazquez, meteorologist with the Miami NWS office. "For the past several days we've had an area of high pressure over South Florida and a lot of subsidence, or air pushing down, and that tends to make things hotter." At the same time, an approaching front attached to an area of stormy weather over the Mid-Atlantic, will shift winds out of the west. That cuts off the cooling afternoon sea breeze for coastal Palm Beach County and means any air moving in has been warmed by its travel over the steamy Everglades. More: Climate change triggers new Florida heat warning chart that alerts when it could be deadly outside The "feels like" temperature or heat index could hit 102 degrees on May 21. As smothering as that it is, it's not high enough to trigger a heat advisory. In Palm Beach County, a heat advisory is issued when heat-index temperatures are forecast to reach 108 degrees or higher for at least two hours. In Broward and Miami-Dade counties, a heat advisory is issued if heat-index temperatures of 105 or higher are expected for at least two hours. The weather pattern shifts on Thursday as the front moves through with winds turning out of the northwest. Temperatures are forecast to reach into the low 90s in Palm Beach County but there is also a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day that increases to 70% in the evening. More: Best ice cream shops, gelato, ice pops and more cool treats in Palm Beach County The National Weather Service introduced the new heat risk index last year in the hopes it will better translate the possible health complications triggered when the mercury rises to misery. Like the Air Quality Index and the UV Index, the new ranking system assigns numbers to risk levels that include who is most susceptible to health problems at each level and actions that should be taken to reduce risks. Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@ Help support our local journalism, subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Record challenging high temperatures in South Florida how hot will it get
CBS News
17-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
South Florida facing intense heat this weekend
South Florida weather expected to be very hot weekend ahead South Florida weather expected to be very hot weekend ahead South Florida weather expected to be very hot weekend ahead Buckle up for a hot and dry weekend across South Florida. The NEXT Weather Team is forecasting afternoon highs in the lower 90s both Saturday and Sunday, but "feels like" temperatures around 100 degrees. If you're trying to beat the heat at the beach, the rip current risk is low, but the UV Index is extreme. Make sure to hydrate often and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Summer-like heat continues and intensifies for the upcoming workweek and widespread triple-digit "feels like" temperatures are expected by Tuesday and Wednesday. South Florida's rain chances remain slim-to-none over the next 7 days, but a few isolated showers could sneak back into the forecast for the back half of the workweek. As of now, chances are low at around 10-20%, but we'll continue to fine tune the forecast over the next several days.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
May weather outlook: Warm and dry days are on the way
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland is set to kick off May with an early taste of summer as temperatures soar well above seasonal norms on Thursday. Thanks to a strong ridge of high pressure forming over the western U.S., Portland is expected to warm into the low to mid-80s under sunny skies Thursday. Average highs for late April and early May typically hover in the mid-60s, making this a bump in temps nearly 20 degrees above normal. The heat won't last long as temperatures are expected to fall back into the mid-60s by the weekend. May Outlook: A Mix of Spring Warmth and Dry Days According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the May 2025 outlook shows near-normal temperatures for much of northwest Oregon. That means there is no strong lean toward a warmer or cooler trend. That leaves room for a little bit of everything, like a few warm spells, cooler stretches, and all the variability that spring is known for. Areas of Southern Oregon, California, and the desert Southwest are more likely to experience above-normal heat. When it comes to rainfall, Portland is trending slightly drier than normal with a 33–40% chance for below-normal precipitation this month. That means that showers are still likely at times, but May could end with below-average rainfall totals and plenty of dry days for outdoor plans. Last May (2024) brought a stretch of record-breaking 90°+ heat near the middle of the month, as well as two cool and wet stretches in the 50s. In the end, rainfall landed just below average. Portland typically sees around 2.51 inches of rain in May. The city's first 80° day of the year typically arrives around May 8, and the first 90° day comes on average by June 18. Spring can be unpredictable. Some years bring prolonged gray skies and rain, while others jumpstart summer with surges into the 80s and 90s. Or, it's all-of-the-above, like we saw last year. Even with monthly outlooks offering guidance, it's always good to be ready for these rapid shifts. If you're heading outdoors during this upcoming heat up, remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. The UV Index in Portland has reached high levels lately, meaning sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes under direct sunlight. Stay up to date with the weather forecast with the KOIN 6 Weather Team. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Understanding Your Skin's Best Friend, The UV Index: What It Means And Why It Matters
When you check the weather, you might see something called the UV Index listed alongside the temperature and forecast. But what exactly is it, and why should you pay attention to it? Let's break it down in a simple way. The UV Index (UVI) is a number that tells you how strong the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are on a given day. These rays are invisible, but they can damage your skin and eyes. The UV Index was first introduced in the early 1990s by Environment Canada (essentially the equivalent of the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) but it's now used worldwide, thanks to a version developed by the World Health Organization and the World Meteorological Organization. Their goal? To help people protect themselves from too much sun exposure, which can lead to sunburns, skin aging, eye damage, and even skin cancer. (MORE: Are You Making A Sunscreen Mistake?) Several things come into play when calculating the UV Index, including: Time of day: UV rays are strongest when the sun is highest—usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Time of year: UV levels are higher in spring and summer. Latitude: Places closer to the equator usually get stronger UV rays. Altitude: Higher elevations get more UV exposure. Ozone levels: The ozone layer helps block UV rays, so thin ozone means higher UV. Cloud cover: Some clouds can block UV rays, but thin or scattered clouds don't do much. Meteorological agencies like the National Weather Service in the U.S. (or other national weather services around the world) use a standardized set of formulas to calculate and release the UV Index each day. (MORE: Do You Need Sunscreen Indoors?) The UV Index is a scale from 1 to 11+, and the higher the number, the greater the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Here's a quick guide: 0-2 (Low): Safe to be outside. Minimal sun protection needed. 3-5 (Moderate): Some risk. Shade, sunscreen, and sunglasses are smart. 6-7 (High): Higher risk. Stay in the shade during midday, wear SPF 30+. 8-10 (Very High): Take extra precautions. Cover up, reapply sunscreen often. 11+ (Extreme): Max protection needed. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. The scale goes to 11+ to show that UV levels can sometimes go beyond what was once considered the maximum. Think of 11+ as the red zone—super intense sun that requires serious protection. It's especially common in tropical regions or at high altitudes, but it can happen anywhere under the right conditions. The UV Index is like a daily sun-safety alert. It helps you know when it's time to put on sunscreen, wear a hat, or take a break in the shade. So next time you check the weather, don't skip the UV number, it's your skin's best friend. lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities. MORE ON Can Sunscreen Make You Sweat More? You're Probably Forgetting Sun Protection In These Five Spots How To Identify And Prevent Sun Damage
