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
Weather map with heavy rain warning over Southern California, warning symbol in the centre.
Saturday 15 November 2025

Severe weather conditions

Heavy rainfall in California
Weather map of the UK and Ireland showing orange-red wind zones with gusts up to 40 mph near Dublin and Glasgow, overlaid with a triangular wind warning symbol on the left.
Friday 14 November 2025

Turbulent Saturday

Gusting start to the weekend
Weather radar for Thursday showing heavy snowfall in Scandinavia
Wednesday 12 November 2025

Lots of fresh snow

Heavy snowfall in Scandinavia
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement