A well informed start to the weekend thanks to the UV forecast by the BfS

In many places the outdoor pool season starts at the beginning of May. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) is also starting to issue its newsletter "UV-Prognose fürs Wochenende" (UV Forecast for the weekend). What started in 2012 as a trial with selected radio stations will now be provided throughout the country.

The BfS will give the UV forecast for the weekend every Friday at 11 am. Radio programs and newspapers will be able to refer to the UV index in weather forecasts or when announcing open-air events as they do for ozone warnings.

"Unfortunately, people in Germany tend to behave carelessly in the sun", says Anja Lutz from the BfS. "Although it is so easy to enjoy the sun without risk. Our newsletter service is intended to focus people's attention on UV-protection." The BfS newsletter is particularly aimed at radio stations and newspapers. However, the service is also relevant for outdoor swimming pools and for open-air events. "I can well imagine outdoor pools and beaches posting not only their water temperature but also the current UV-index. And who says we can’t extend this service to the tennis court or football stadium?"

To register for the newsletter "UV-Prognose" please send an E-Mail to uv-prognose-subscribe@mailman.bfs.de . You will then receive the current weekend UV forecast every Friday at 11 am from May to September.

The newsletter service is provided in addition to the 3 day forecast published for the entire country by the BfS every

• Monday,
• Wednesday and
• Friday

from April to September at www.bfs.de/uv-prognose.

More information

What is the UV Index?

The UV Index specifies the peak sun rays per day. The higher the number, the stronger the UV radiation.

But beware: The reported UV index is often exceeded on snow, water and bright sands at the beach because reflection increases UV radiation. You should therefore increase sun protection at such places.

Who tells me how much sun protection is needed?

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection gives UV forecasts for the subsequent three days on

• Mondays,
• Wednesdays and
• Fridays

from April to September at www.bfs.de/uv-prognose.

The UVI 3-day forecast supplements the weather forecast.

How do I protect myself?

UV protection is recommended from a UV Index of 3.

• This means you should be in the shade around noon.
• Loose, casual clothing provides better protection than sunscreen. Combining this with a hat to protect your head and face is the best protection.
• Sunglasses are not only cool, they also protect you from UV rays provided they fit closely and the lenses are labelled "100 per cent UV-protection" or "UV 400".
• Apply sunscreen with a high protection factor generously and regularly to all uncovered skin.

The UV can reach an index of 8 from May to September on sunny days or even from April at higher altitudes in the Alps in Germany. You should spend the hours around solar noon indoors from this level. If it is absolutely necessary to remain outside make certain that you stay in the shade and wear clothing and sunscreen to protect yourself adequately.