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
Wednesday 18 June 2025

Grab the sunscreen

High UV levels to end the week
Sunday 15 June 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Spectacular sunrises and weather snaps
Thursday 19 June 2025

Current record 29.4°C

Hottest day of the year so far expected
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info