Taiwan News
Date: 2016-05-09
By: Sophia Yang, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

As the weather has entered “summer solstice” based on the lunar calendar, the temperatures on the island are reaching as high as 34 degree Celsius, according to the Central Weather Bureau, with the ultraviolet radiation on the island hovering between HIGH and EXTREME level, threatening to reach the danger zone mark.

The ultraviolet (UV) index, set up by the World Health Organization and measured by Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau, has been recorded values that range between 7 and 11 on Monday, and has appeared to be highest in southern Taiwan. Citizens are advised to avoid direct sun exposure to avoid sunburn or heat stroke.

Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation can cause immediate effects such as sunburn and long-term problems such as skin cancer and cataracts, a local dermatologist said.

The UV Index is a linear scale, with higher values representing a greater risk of sunburn. The values at 11 or above are considered very dangerous.

Aside from the dangerous UV rays, thundershowers in the afternoon are expected between Monday and Tuesday, and the rains may last longer starting Tuesday as a new frontal band is to swing across the island, according to the bureau.     [SOURCE]