How to Understand the Solar Warning Index

Taking care of your skin is important to its future health. The National Weather Service issues a daily Solar Warning Index, designed to let you know how severe the risk of sunburn is each day. Due to changes in clouds and atmospheric conditions, the risk of sunburn fluctuates on a daily basis. Understanding the numbers will help you take the correct preventative measures.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Grab the beach towels when the index is “minimal” (0 to 2). This is the safest time to put on your swimmsuit and take part in water activities. You must still use a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15, or greater, but fair-skinned people will not burn before 30 minutes exposure and darker skinned people may be safe up to two hours.
2. Pack a picnic basket when the index is “low” (3 to 4). Without protection, fair-skinned people will burn in 20 minutes and others in up to 90 minutes. With a good sunblock, everyone will enjoy the entire day outside. Reapply as the label directs.
3. Grab your hat and go watch a ballgame when the index is “moderate” (5 to 6). If you’re not fair-skinned, you are safe for up to an hour but natural blondes will experience burning in only 12 minutes. Go outside but make sure your skin is protected with a sunscreen of SPF 30, or higher.
4. Slather on the sunblock when the index is “high” (7 to 9). In addition, cover your skin with clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are in order today as well as a wide-brimmed hat. Fair-skinned people can burn within 8 minutes and darker skinned individuals are at risk in 30 minutes.
5. Stay inside when the solar warning index reaches “very high” (10 and over). Plan indoor activities with your children today. The risk of sunburn, when the index reaches this level, is dangerous. In a very short time, less than 6 minutes, a fair-skinned person will burn. Others are safe a little longer, up to 20 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a “sun safe” kit in your car at all times. Stock it with plenty of sunscreen and topical sunburn relief products. Add a soft wide-brimmed cotton hat and protective sunglasses.
• Always use sunscreen and wear protective sunglasses with a high UV (Ultraviolet) protection rating. Not only can you burn your skin, you can damage your eyes.
• Never allow small children to play outside without adequate protection from the sun.