SunSmart UV Alert
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is both a major cause of skin cancer and a great source of vitamin D. We need to balance the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure with maintaining adequate vitamin D levels.
The SunSmart UV Alert is a tool you can use to know when to protect yourself from UV radiation and when you don't need sun protection.
Today's UV Alert for Melbourne
Today's UV Alert for locations around Victoria
Today's UV Alert for other cities/towns across Australia
Add the SunSmart UV Alert widget to your website
The SunSmart UV Alert is based on the UV Index forecast, which predicts how much UV radiation will reach the ground that day.
The SunSmart UV Alert times are issued throughout the year by the Bureau of Meteorology when the UV Index is forecast to reach 3 or above.
The general rule of thumb for sun protection is as follows:
- From September to April the UV Index forecast for the day is usually 3 or above: at this level, UV radiation can damage your skin and eyes and sun protection is required.
- From May to August UV radiation levels are generally low (1 or 2) in Victoria. Sun protection isn't needed unless you are in alpine areas or near highly reflective surfaces such as snow or water. The Bureau of Meteorology issues the UV Alert for alpine areas.
Download the SunSmart UV Alert poster [pdf 152K] to print and display information about how to read the UV Alert.
SunSmart would like to acknowledge the Bureau of Meteorology for the provision of UV and weather forecast data.
How to use and read the SunSmart UV Alert
Find out how to use and read the SunSmart UV Alert.
Also refer to:
- Australian Radiation and Nuclear Protection Agency (ARPANSA) for more information about measuring and forecasting UV radiation
- ARPANSA's real time UV display to compare the UV radiation forecast with actual UV levels today
- Bureau of Meteorology for the UV Alert for over 200 locations across Australia
- World Health Organization, Intersun Programme for frequently asked questions about the UV index
- SunSmart resources to order more UV Alert brochures or an A3 version of the poster
- Get real time UV alerts on your mobile phone
