AUSTIN, Texas — Spring-like conditions have returned to Central Texas, with warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
While many residents will want to get outside and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer, they'll need to pay extra close attention to their sun exposure Wednesday because of unusually intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) forecast a 7 on the UV Index for Wednesday, which is considered "high." If this sounds familiar, it's because we also had a UV Alert for Tuesday with a similar UV index rating. The scale ranges from 0 to 11+, with the "high" category including a ranking of 6 or 7.
Central Texas is no stranger to the "high," "very high" or even "extreme" UV index ratings, but Wednesday's high ranking is considered above-normal for this time of the year. For this reason, A UV Alert is in effect for Wednesday.
The EPA provides several suggestions and tips to protect yourself from overexposure to UV radiation, including wearing sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, wearing a hat and long sleeves and seeking shade during the midday hours. UV radiation peaks during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During this timeframe, temperatures in Central Texas could climb as high as the lower to mid-80s. If you plan on working outdoors, consider wearing a long-sleeve shirt made from breathable fabric in a light color and make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
While above-average temperatures linger throughout the next seven days, our UV Index outlook could change due to varying amounts of cloud coverage. Very cloudy or overcast conditions help reduce UV radiation; however, partly cloudy skies can sometimes increase radiation. According to the Climate Prediction Center, radiation can be reflected off of tall cumulus clouds during partly cloudy and mostly sunny days.
Wednesday's forecast calls for morning clouds leading to late afternoon sunshine for much of Central Texas. This pattern of morning clouds and afternoon sunshine will continue through Thursday ahead of the next cold front the KVUE Weather Team is tracking.
We'll continue to keep an eye on the UV Index forecast over the coming days and especially throughout the spring and summer months as hotter and sunnier days return.
In the meantime, here is a look at your extended forecast:
