High Ultraviolet index recorded in Kerala: Health advisory issued

Kerala has registered a sharp upswing in ultraviolet (UV) radiation, prompting a public health advisory urging residents to limit direct exposure to the midday sun. State disaster management officials report that several locations recorded “very high” UV levels in the past 24 hours, with upland terrain, including the Munnar region, peaking at a UV Index (UVI) of 10.

Readings were compiled through a statewide network of 14 UV monitoring stations. While the highest values were concentrated in the high ranges, coastal and midland areas also saw elevated midday peaks under clear skies. Authorities caution that conditions can fluctuate quickly with changes in cloud cover, haze, and local weather, and advise the public to stay alert to daily updates.

What a UVI of 10 means for health

The UV Index is a standardized scale that gauges the intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation at the surface. On this scale, values of 8–10 fall into the “very high” category, meaning unprotected skin and eyes can sustain damage in a short time, particularly around solar noon. At these levels:

• Sunburn can occur within minutes on fair or unprotected skin.
• Cumulative exposure increases the risk of skin aging and certain skin cancers.
• Eyes are vulnerable to photokeratitis and long-term damage without UV-blocking protection.

Altitude is a major factor: UV intensity typically increases with elevation, which helps explain the higher values in Kerala’s hill districts. Other drivers include the sun’s angle (which is rising as the year advances), sparse cloud cover, atmospheric ozone concentration, and reflection from bright surfaces such as water and sand.

Why conditions are intense now

Kerala’s location near the equator means the sun’s rays strike more directly, especially from late winter into the pre-monsoon period. Recent clear skies and relatively low afternoon cloudiness have allowed stronger UV to reach the ground. In high-altitude zones, the thinner atmosphere provides less natural filtering. Coastal areas can also feel the effects of reflection from the sea and light-colored beach sands, amplifying exposure near the shoreline.

Who is most at risk

• Outdoor workers, including farmers, construction laborers, and fishers
• Children and adolescents, whose skin is more sensitive
• Older adults and people with fair or photosensitive skin
• Individuals taking medications that increase sun sensitivity
• Visitors to high-elevation areas like Munnar, where UV is stronger

Recommended precautions

• Time your day: Avoid direct sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV peaks. If you must be outdoors, take frequent shade breaks.
• Cover up: Wear long sleeves, long trousers, and a wide-brimmed hat. Tightly woven or UV-rated fabrics offer better protection.
• Protect your eyes: Use sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB (often labeled UV400).
• Use sunscreen properly: Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply generously to exposed skin 15–20 minutes before going out. Reapply every two hours, or more often if sweating.
• Stay hydrated: High temperatures and direct sun increase dehydration risk. Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Plan for workers and students: Shift strenuous outdoor tasks to early morning or late afternoon. Schools and workplaces should provide shaded rest areas and encourage protective clothing.
• Be extra careful at altitude and near reflective surfaces: UV is stronger in the hills and along beaches due to elevation and reflection from water and sand.

Local hotspots and timing

High-range districts, including areas in and around Munnar, recorded the strongest UV levels. Coastal stretches also saw notable midday spikes. The most hazardous period remains around solar noon, when the sun is highest. Even brief exposures during this window can lead to sunburn if you’re unprotected.

Monitoring and next steps

State authorities continue to track UV intensity across the monitoring network and will adjust advisories as conditions evolve. Because UV can change with cloud cover and seasonal shifts, residents are encouraged to check daily forecasts and follow any new guidance issued by disaster management and health departments.

The message is straightforward: with “very high” UV readings documented, sun safety should be treated as essential, not optional. Sensible precautions—seeking shade during peak hours, wearing protective clothing and sunglasses, and using sunscreen correctly—can significantly reduce the risk of skin and eye damage while allowing people to go about their day safely.