Sun Awareness Week 2025, led by The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), starts next week (12-18 May). This campaign highlights the dangers of sun exposure and promotes sun safety.
As we look forward to enjoying the warmer weather, it's crucial to remember the potential risks and take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Here are some essential tips and advice from the Met Office to help you stay safe in the sun during next week's Sun Awareness Week.
Understanding UV and Its Effects
The UV index can be high at many times of the year, even when it's not hot or the sky is cloudy. UV radiation can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and eye damage. Protecting yourself from UV exposure is crucial to prevent these health issues.
- Protecting Your Eyes
UV radiation can damage the eyes, leading to conditions like cataracts. It's important to wear good quality UV protective sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation. Wraparound sunglasses offer the best protection, and grey lenses provide proper colour recognition.
- Sunburn
Sunburn occurs when your skin is overexposed to UV radiation. It can cause serious health effects and increase the risk of skin cancer. Protect yourself by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade.
- Skin Cancer
UV radiation is a major cause of skin cancer. It's important to use sun protection to reduce your risk. Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer rates have increased significantly in the UK.
- Vitamin D
While UV exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, it's important to balance sun exposure with sun safety. A few minutes in the sun can often provide enough vitamin D without increasing the risk of skin damage.
- Winter Sun
Even in winter, UV radiation can be strong, especially at high altitudes or when reflected by snow. Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen and UV protective sunglasses.
READ MORE: What is UV radiation and how does it affect your health?
Impacts of Hot Weather
While many of us enjoy the sunshine, it's important to be aware of the health risks associated with hot weather. While we haven't quite hit the kinds of temperatures we typically associate with heat-related health risks this year, the weather in the UK can certainly have significant impacts.
High temperatures can strain the heart and lungs, leading to serious illnesses, particularly for older people, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Overexposure to the sun can cause anything from mild sunburn to skin cancer, and it's important to remember that the UV index can be high even when it's not particularly hot.
Hot weather can also affect infrastructure, causing damage to roads and railways, and increasing the risk of fires. For example, The July 2022 heatwave saw the UK hit a record 40.3°C, causing major disruptions. Rail tracks buckled, flights were suspended, and emergency services were overwhelmed. The NHS faced a surge in calls, and care services were strained. Fatalities occurred from open water swimming, and fires destroyed homes. Power cuts, melting roads, and dry natural water sources highlighted the severe impacts.
READ MORE: Sunniest April on record for the UK
Sun Safety Tips
At Home
- Keep your house cool: Close blinds or curtains to block out the sun.
- Ventilate at night: Keep your sleeping area well-ventilated to allow your body to cool down.
- Stay cool: Take cool showers or baths and sprinkle yourself with cold water throughout the day.
- Avoid excessive exercise: Overexertion in hot weather can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol as it dehydrates the body.
- Eat normally: Not eating properly can exacerbate health issues.
- Check on vulnerable neighbours: Ensure they are coping with the heat.
When Going Out
- Avoid the hottest part of the day: Stay indoors between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is strongest.
- Seek shade: Find shaded areas to stay cool.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Lightweight, light-colored clothing, high-factor sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat are essential.
- Reapply sunscreen: Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
- Protect your eyes: Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection.
In Your Vehicle
- Keep it ventilated: Ensure your vehicle is well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness.
- Stay hydrated: Carry plenty of water and take regular breaks.
For Pets
- Provide fresh water and shade: Ensure pets always have access to water and shade.
- Avoid walking dogs in the heat: Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
- Check the ground temperature: If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
- Cool your pets: Use frozen water bottles or mist their ears with cold water.
Plenty of sunshine is forecast this weekend but the sun is strong this time of year ☀️
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 9, 2025
Remember to protect your skin, as UV levels are expected to be high for many parts of the UK 🧢😎 pic.twitter.com/hc5T7zARlf
Sun Awareness Week 2025 is a reminder of the importance of sun safety. By following these tips and staying informed about the UV index, you can enjoy the sun while protecting your health.
Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.