Sun Protection Alert

 The Sun Protection Alert (figure 2) has replaced the former UV Index (figure 1).

                                     figure 1                                                                                  figure 2

The HSC, MetService and NIWA, in consultation with the Cancer Society of New Zealand, have developed the new Sun Protection Alert based on consumer and media feedback. It tells people the exact time when they should use sun protection no matter where they are in New Zealand. We are very excited about the Sun Protection Alert and believe it will be very useful in reducing New Zealanders’ UV exposure. More information about the Sun Protection Alert is provided in the document Communicating UV information to the public. The Sun Protection Alert will be in all daily newspapers throughout the country as well as on the MetService and SunSmart websites during daylight saving months. TV3 has shown it on their news weather segment.

Note: Sensible sun protection is unlikely to make people vitamin D deficient. You can find out more in the vitamin D section.