Ultra-violet rays, which can also cause sunburn and cataracts, are expected to reach high to very high level in some Vietnamese localities, including Da Nang, from October 3-6, Viet Nam's National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned.

High to very high UV levels are predicted today, October 3, for many Vietnamese localities. Da Nang on Sunday has the highest level of UV radiation in Viet Nam, reaching 8.7. Photo: TTXVN

UV level could reach 7.9 in Ha Noi while level 7.8 is common in both Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh Province’s Ha Long City today and level 8.6 is common in both Thua Thien-Hue Province’s Hue City and Quang Nam Province’s Hoi An City.  UV index is predicted to reach 6.2, 6.7, 3.3 and 4.5 in Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and Ca Mau respectively. Da Nang on Sunday has the highest level of UV radiation in Viet Nam, reaching 8.7.

The UV Index scale is a great tool to tell you how quickly sunburn can occur if you are not applying proper protection.

A UV Index reading two or lower means there is a minimal risk of sunburn for the average person. A UV Index reading between 3 and 5 means there is a moderate risk of sunburn for the average person. At this level it is suggested to seek shade between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are its strongest. A UV Index reading 6 or 7 puts you at a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. A UV Index reading 8 to 10 puts you at a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take extra precautions for both your skin and eyes because damage occurs quickly, typically within 15 minutes. A UV Index reading 11 or higher puts you in a very dangerous spot for sunburn with damage occurring in less than 10 minutes if unprotected. At this level it is best to avoid all sun exposure between 10am and 4pm.

On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (from October 4 – 6), UV levels will be reaching 8, 8, 7 respectively in Ha Noi while level 7, 8, 7 respectively predicted for Hai Phong City; 7, 8, 6 respectively for Quang Ninh Province’s Ha Long City, 8, 6, 5 respectively for Thua Thien –Hue Province; 8, 7, 5 respectively for Da Nang; 8, 8, 6 respectively for Quang Nam Province’s Hoi An City; 9, 8, 7 respectively for Khanh Hoa Province’s Nha Trang City; 8, 7, 5 respectively for Ho Chi Minh City; 8, 7, 4 respectively for Can Tho; and 8, 6, 4 respectively for Ca Mau.

The time when UV exposure is likely to be greatest is between 10 a.m. and 1pm

While UV is important for getting vitamin D and keeping us healthy, too much of it can cause skin cancer or eye cataracts.

The aim of the index is warn people of increased risk, and encourage them change their behaviour to protect themselves against the risks of skin cancer and damage.

Health experts recommend that people need to wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide brim hats to keep delicate skin on the neck, ears, and face safe, UV protective glasses, in order protect their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Besides, people should take vitamin C supplements from fruits, use regularly sunscreen before they go outside, even on cloudy days.

Reporting by TTXVN – Translating by H.L