2006-07-03
Author: 800 CHAB NEWS

During the summer months the UV Index is a vital part of weather forecasts.

The UV Index is a reflection of the power of the sun and how it affects your skin.

Bob Cormier, meteorologist with Environment Canada explains the biggest misconception people have when it comes to the UV index.

"People are tempted to, on a day where the temperature is 30 or 35 or more, they are tempted to tie in the sun burn factor and everything else into that temperature but that really has nothing to do with it. The UV Index is simply a reflection of the position of the sun in the sky and the amount of the ozone that is up in the high atmosphere so it has really has no tie in with the temperature at all."

Cormier reminds us if at all possible to limit sun exposure during the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., as that's when UV rays are often at their highest.