What is UV Radiation?

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation is part of the invisible spectrum of light that reaches the Earth from the Sun. Although the Earth's atmosphere protects us from the bulk of these rays, those that get through are still harmful. UV has been linked to sunburn, skin cancer, skin wrinkling and aging, cataracts and other ocular damage. AccuWeather and Bausch & Lomb have collaborated to create the Ray-Ban UV Network^[sm], which provides current and forecast UV conditions for more than 1000 sites across the U.S.

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How is UV data collected?

Like a pollen-count reading that records the level of allergens in the air on a given day, sensors collect UV radiation data on the amount reaching the earth at each site.

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How are the maps created from the data?

AccuWeather meteorologists have developed algorithms that incorporate current and forecast weather with "clear sky" UV readings to give current and forecast UV for every place in the county. These UV readings are used to create maps of the Ray-Ban UV Index^[sm]. AccuWeather also makes available hourly current and forecast UV index readings.

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How do I read the maps?

National and regional Ray-Ban UV Index maps are updated every hour using vibrantly colored bands, with an easy-to understand 5-category scale, ranging from 0 (minimum levels) to 10 or more (very high levels). The stronger the sun, the higher the UV Index number, indicating a greater need for eye and skin protection.

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