UV Index Skyrockets Across Orange County, Inland To Coast

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — The weather in Orange County is accented by balmy temperatures and that pristine, summer sun this week. Still, all of Orange County and Los Angeles County will see a record high UV Index, the National Weather Service reports.

UV rays will be at 11 for the entire Southland region, meaning a fair-skinned person can be burned by the intense rays in under 5 minutes.

This is no time to worry about getting the perfect suntan if you're outdoors. Put on your favorite sunscreen, grab some shade, and hydrate, officials say.

While inland temps will reach upwards of the high 90s, at the beach the weather will be more tolerable. Still, the sun's rays will be intense, according to our friends at the NWS San Diego.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the ultraviolet index level peaks to 11 at noon across the Southland, when the sun's rays are at their strongest, the NWS says. 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.