UV Index To Skyrocket In Venice, Mar Vista

VENICE, CA — Tuesday's ultraviolet index level in the Los Angeles area will be 9 and continue through Thursday, 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.

A reading of 0-2 indicates a minimal exposure level, and very fair-skinned people could become sunburned in 30 minutes if not properly protected.

A reading of 3-4 is considered a low exposure level, reducing the danger range for those with fair complexions to 15 to 20 minutes if not protected.

A moderate exposure level of 5-6 indicates that a person with a fair complexion could be safe from sunburn for 10 to 12 minutes unless protected.

A high exposure level reading of 7-9 means that a person could be sunburned in seven to eight minutes.

A 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.

Sunlight is the main source of UV radiation, according to the American Cancer Society. UVA rays are mainly linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles. Ultraviolet radiation is blamed for a host of health problems, including skin cancer and cataracts.

- City News Service and Patch Editor Nicole Charky contributed to this report.