Tuesday’s ultraviolet index level in the Los Angeles area will be 10, according to the National Weather Service. 10 on the UV Index is categorized as “very high”, just shy of the “extreme” categorization of 11+, according to the World Health Organization.
The reading indicates what the UV exposure is expected to be at noon, when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
A reading of 0-2 indicates a minimal exposure level, and very fair- skinned people could become sunburned in 30 minutes if not properly protected.
A reading of 3-4 is considered a low exposure level, reducing the danger range for those with fair complexions to 15-20 minutes if not protected.
A moderate exposure level of 5-6 indicates that a person with a fair complexion could be safe from sunburn for 10-12 minutes, unless protected.
A high exposure level reading of 7-9 means that a person could be sunburned in 7-8 minutes.
A very high exposure level reading of 10, or greater, means a fair- skinned person could suffer a sunburn in about four minutes if not protected.
According to readings posted by the National Weather Service on Monday, Los Angeles was one of 18 cities with a reading above 10 on its 58 city UV Index display.
Ultraviolet radiation is blamed for a host of health problems, including skin cancer and cataracts.