Health
Federal Office warns of increased UV radiation at weekends
Rays of sunshine shine through the flowers of the winter cherry (Higan cherry): There is a risk of intense UV radiation in the next few days. photo
© Thomas Banneyer/dpa
The risk of getting sunburned this weekend is comparatively high for the time of year. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection recommends protecting yourself well from the sun.
The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) warns about increased UV radiation Weekend, especially in southern Germany. It is important to protect yourself from the sun, the authority said. On Saturday, a UV index value of up to 6 can be expected; even higher values are possible in the mountains. According to the BfS, UV index values of over 6 are rather unusual for mid-April.
The UV index indicates the maximum daily value of UV radiation that can cause sunburn. The higher it is, the faster sunburn can occur on unprotected skin. From a value of 3 on the upwardly open scale, the BfS recommends protective measures such as applying sunscreen with a sufficient sun protection factor, clothing that covers the skin and a headgear, and staying in the shade as much as possible, especially at midday.
In Germany, values of 8 to 9 are reached in summer, and in the high altitudes of southern German mountain regions up to 11, according to the Federal Office. Values of 12 and higher can therefore occur at the equator.
What does the intensity of UV radiation depend on?
The intensity of UV radiation depends on factors such as the position of the sun, cloud cover and altitude, but also on the ozone in the atmosphere, as the Federal Office explains. The layer at an altitude of 20 to 30 kilometers prevents all of the high-energy UV radiation coming from the sun from reaching the earth’s surface. Ozone (O3) is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms.
It was said that a so-called low ozone event is currently taking place over southern Germany: On Saturday and Sunday, comparatively low-ozone air masses from southwestern Europe will reach Germany. “Such constellations occur again and again throughout the year. This weekend it is expected that the effect will be particularly noticeable.”