UV and ozone

Sun worshippers may feel the burn next week as scientists and health professionals from around the world meet in Wellington to discuss the latest research on the effects of UV radiation.

The all-sky image shows a hemispheric view of the sky at Lauder.

Check out UV index forecasts for locations in New Zealand (including ski fields), Australia, the Pacific and Antarctica.

Today's UV Index

The UV Index is a measure of the intensity of UV radiation. The larger the number, the more intense the UV. In New Zealand, its maximum summer value is generally about 12, but it can exceed 13 in the far North. In winter it reaches peak values of 1 or 2. Values of 10 or more should be considered as "extreme". At high altitude tropical sites (eg Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii), the UV Index can exceed 20.The UV Index supersedes the idea of "Time to Burn" or "Burn Time", which has been used previously in New Zealand.

Plots of UV levels throughout the day at different locations.

NIWA has developed personal UV dosimeter badges to support studies relating UV exposure to human health.

More information about NIWA's UV Atlas

NIWA has developed a real time UV display in consultation with the Cancer Society and Sunsmart.

CFCs have damaged the ozone layer and led to higher UV levels and increased health risks. Our role is to understand the causes and effects of ozone depletion, to inform the public of the risk.

Presented papers, arranged by workshop programme.

Several apps that provide forecasts of the UV index (UVI) are available for smartphones.