Saturday's Ultraviolet Index Level Will Be Dangerously High

If you're planning to go outdoors this weekend, be sure to protect yourself from dangerously high ultraviolet levels.

Saturday's ultraviolet index level in the Los Angeles area will be 10, according to the National Weather Service. The reading indicates what the UV exposure is expected to be at noon, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.

Exposure levels mean the following:

• Very high exposure level reading of 10, or greater, means a fair-skinned person could suffer a sunburn in about four minutes if not protected.
• High exposure level reading of 7-9 means that a person could be sunburned in 7-8 minutes.
• Moderate exposure level of 5-6 indicates that a person with a fair complexion could be safe from sunburn for 10-12 minutes, unless protected.
• Reading of 3-4 is considered a low exposure level, reducing the danger range for those with fair complexions to 15-20 minutes if not protected.
• Reading of 0-2 indicates a minimal exposure level, and very fair skinned people could become sunburned in 30 minutes if not properly protected.

Ultraviolet radiation is blamed for a host of health problems, including skin cancer and cataracts.

This report was compiled with information from City News Service.