UV Index Skyrockets For Newport Beach: How High Is It?

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — The weather in Newport Beach this week is accented by that pristine, summer sun. With it, comes a record high UV Index, the National Weather Service reports.

This is no time to worry about getting the perfect suntan.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the ultraviolet index level will top 11 at noon, when the sun's rays are at their strongest. The UV reading indicates how fast a person can get sunburned without proper protection.

At levels of 10 or greater, a fair-skinned person can suffer sunburn after just four minutes without the proper protection from sunscreen or sunglasses.

"Ultraviolet radiation is blamed for a host of health problems, including skin cancer and cataracts," the National Weather Service says.

Those with fair skin are at the greatest risk of burning on days when the UV rays are at their highest, according to the NWS.

Readings from 0-2 are a minimal exposure risk of sunburn, approximately 30 minutes outside in the sun without protection.

Readings of 3-4 are low exposure, and fair-skinned people can be unprotected for 15 to 20 minutes without protection.

Moderate exposure, from 5-6 of UV exposure, shows that a fair-skinned person can be safe from sunburn for up to 12 minutes.

Exposure to UV readings of 7-9 means that a fair-skinned person can get sunburned in under 8 minutes.

When the UV reaches 10 or higher, as it is this week at 11, a fair-skinned person can burn in under five minutes.

Dermatologists recommend sunscreen at a UVA-B rating of 30 or more, as well as sunglasses to counteract the harsh UV lights. And don't forget your beach umbrella and to properly hydrate if you're out in the sun all day.