UK Forecasts UV Index of 8 in Heatwave Week, Raising Skin Cancer Risk

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 22

UV levels across much of the UK are expected to run high this week as extreme heat builds, with summer readings typically 5-6 and a maximum of 8 reached only in exceptional circumstances.
Too much ultraviolet exposure damages DNA in skin cells and can trigger skin cancer; melanoma is already the UK's fifth most common cancer, and experts say every sunburn raises risk.
The strongest exposure comes in the four hours around solar noon, usually from late morning to early afternoon, and UV can still burn skin through thin cloud regardless of whether temperatures are 20C or 30C.
SPF 30 sunscreen with at least 4-star UVA protection, re-applied every two hours, plus shade, clothing and sunglasses are advised, with children needing extra protection at lower UV levels.
Doctors say there is no safe tan—natural tanning offers protection roughly equivalent to SPF 4—and darker skin does not remove the broader risks of skin cancer, eye damage and immune-system harm.