so this is something that i had recently discovered, i can inform 2 different ways to find the uv in your area.
the first is

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you type in your information, it is simply your state, city and zip code. they will then give you a number between 0-15, i will explain the numbers at the end. the number they give you here is the highest uv you will come in contact with all day, but not at the moment, still very useful.


the second is how how i found out about it and is a lot better. it only works if you have firefox. if your familiar with this web browser they provide free addons to your window. go to

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type in ani weather(animated weather)click on it it will be the sun with glasses on it's eyes, after you download it reset it for your area and at the small corner of your screen it will show the the weather and uv for you area and it is live, so that is the uv for your area at that specific time.

right now firefox says my uv is zero, makes since because the sun is down, epa says it's 9, but thats just the whole days reading and doesn't change.

ok, so the numbers i'll copy and paste the information is from the epa site

Exposure
Category
Index Number
Sun Protection Messages
LOW
<2
You can safely enjoy being outside. Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen SPF 15+.

In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength.

MODERATE
3-5
Take precautions if you will be outside, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses and using sunscreen SPF 15+. Reduce your exposure to the sun's most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.

HIGH
6-7
Protection against sun damage is needed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, use sunscreen SPF 15+ and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants when practical. Reduce your exposure to the sun's most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.

VERY HIGH
8-10
Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade.

Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.

EXTREME
11+
Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade.

Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.


peace ladies and gentlemen

very interesting and help full . thanks for psting.

I'v try, for paris today, uv index is 9

no problem, i'll have to find one that people can use out side the u.s though, firefox should work for that but not everyone has it

No I don't have firefox and am not sure about downloading stuff, but it is a great idea and if you could find one that is worldwide, that would be fantastic. I still think that people need to be careful when out and about all the time, especially if they are embarking on a lightening regime, but it is always nice to know.

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not like fire fox or the EPA but it gives your uv index for that day

Have saved the link and would like to say thanks again for being so helpful hun !!!

no problem, what the uv in your area?

I downloaded the program you recommended. The UV in my area has been 11 both yesterday and today. The temperature has been in the hundreds ( 100 F).

It was a moderate 3 - 5 yesterday and is the same today.

Hey yesI mean no thanks for the useful link Interesting name by the way

Great info

Well it is good to know but I am totally paranoid regardless once that sun rears it's head.

Today I saw someone with a red umbrellla walking in the sun. I was dying to catch up with her to see what her nationality was. It tends to be just oriental people I see do that. But I was so jealous that she had the guts to put it up and to h*ll with anyone else

This has been very useful. I dont live in the states but living in Africa i'd suppose that the uv index is always high. Its usually very hot! Can anyone explain to me what SPF exactly is and how to properly use sunscreen. Am using spf 15 and am assuming that i have 15mins of sun protection. I usually apply in the morning then reapply at midday. Do i have to always reapply half an hour before i go out? This would be hard coz i randomly leave at different times during the day. And how sure am i that the sunscreen works it feels like a normal moisturizer.

If you are living in Africa and the UV is high then I ma afraid that an spf of 15 is way too low. What product are you using? I already mentioned in another thread to you that your best choice would be a sunblock with zinc and/or titanium. I will give you a link to some of the best sunscreens out there. And yes you must apply at least 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply as necessary like if you are sweating or have wiped your skin but the physical screens(zinc/tiitanium) tend to have more staying power than the chemicals one which tend not to have these ingredients.


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It is always hot where I am so it is a daily battle as I already know the uv is very high.

Well you will be the youngest looking in your crowd now that you are using block and avoidance tactics

Lol I will try to remember that when I am stuck inside avoiding the sun and missing out on all the fun

OMG anyone who thinks that the UK is rainy and cloudy all the time needs to get their butt over here.It has been sweltering and my sun block has been really working overtime. Unfortunately I have had so many unavoidable meetings and tasks to do that I have had to be out there even in the middle of the day which I really try and avoid doing. Fortunately I do not think that I have tanned and in fact I think the obagi is starting to lighten me a bit more. I am so happy. Now just wish for the sun to just go away. I know the weather is going to stay like this for at least the next 4 or 5 days but fingers crossed it WILL change!!!

Tell me about it. It has been pretty bad if you are not a fan of the sun. I have managed to dodge it so far but if it continues next week then I will have no choice but to be in it

LoL Roll on summer guys !!!

Summer practically all year round here. Be glad that you get a let up in the winter.

Believe me I am. Where ever you are sounds awful. Sorry to say that but I know I would hate it.

The unbearable weather has left us for a while. Not sure how long for. Don't get me wrong, It is still sunny but no where as bad as before and at least there is a coolish breeze. Using the underground was a nightmare. It gets incredibly hot down there. You would think that by 2011 they would have thought of a way to keep things cool down there. You can be sweating buckets for a five minute journey !!!!! I dread to think what tourists are going to think come the 2012 olympic games.

lol I hate the tube in the summer too. Too many sweaty bodies wedged together with no where to move. I have even been stuck in between stations and that was simply awful