Home / Editor's Pick /

All year UV safety: Don't be fooled by overcast skies

All year UV safety
Don't be fooled by overcast skies

Sun shines through  cloudsEven on cloudy days, UV-light can still break through.

Overcast conditions usually don’t inspire the need to check UV levels, but at any time of the year, precautions should be taken.

Believe it or not roughly 90% of UV light can cut through clouds, it can even bounce off puddles and snow so don’t assume it is safe to head out without sunscreen just because it’s a grey day.

You may also assume that it is safe if it is cold. UV rays have nothing to do with the heat emitted by the Sun. It can be in the minus temperatures and still be dangerous due to UV.

When is it safe?

The UV-Index rating makes it easy to see when protection is required. Any day with an index of three or higher you should use sunscreen.

You can check the UV-Index rating near you daily within your local forecast information on the Weather & Radar app.

App tip: Clouds on the WeatherRadarread more
Weather & Radar editorial team
This might also interest you
Map of Europe showing temperatures ranging from 9 to 25 degrees, warm in the south, cool in the north.
Friday 31 October 2025

No sign of frost

Europe: Mild start to November
Thursday 30 October 2025

Devastating damage

Hurricane Melissa rages in the Caribbean
A weather map shows Hurricane Melissa over Jamaica. The Category 5 hurricane is moving over Montego Bay and Kingston with strong winds. Colours indicate wind speeds.
Wednesday 29 October 2025

Disaster in the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa sweeps across Jamaica
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement