The late April sun matches August in strength, making UV protection essential despite cooler temperatures.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s that time of year! The impact of a strong sun brings the danger of UV and sunburn.
The sun in late April becomes just as strong as it is does in August. That’s because the sun angle, defined as how high the sun is in the sky, matches this time of year.
But here’s the catch: it doesn’t feel nearly as hot because our temperatures lag behind the sun’s angle.
In April, the land and ocean are still warming up from winter, while in August, they’ve had months of summer heat buildup. Even though the sun delivers just as much energy, April air temperatures are usually much cooler than the dog days of summer.
Here’s what doesn’t change: the UV index. The higher sun angle means stronger ultraviolet rays, which can cause sunburn just as easily in April as it does in August.
June 20 and 21 are the days with the longest amount of rays.
Since it doesn’t feel as hot in April, you might not realize you’re getting too much sun until it’s too late. That’s why sunscreen is a must this time of year! UV rays can damage your skin even on breezy or cooler days.
Whether you’re heading outside for a spring hike, a ballgame, or just working in the yard, lather up with SPF and protect your skin.
Contact Bekah Birdsall at rbirdsall@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
