Watch out in August: when ozone levels over Germany are low, UV protection is particularly important

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) is expecting a further increase in UV radiation for the coming weekend – from Friday, 11 August, onwards – due to a low-ozone event over Germany. Following the recent spell of relatively cool and rainy weather across large parts of Germany, people are more likely to underestimate the risk of sunburn on such days: on Friday, the UV index is expected to reach as much as 7 in the north and 9 in the south of Germany. UV protection measures should be adopted at values of 3 and above.

The UV index indicates the expected daily peak values of sunburn-causing UV radiation. The intensity of UV radiation at the earth’s surface depends on various factors, such as the position of the sun, cloud cover and altitude, as well as stratospheric ozone. Ozone in the stratosphere can absorb UV radiation and therefore influence UV exposure on earth.

Over the year, air masses over Europe can exhibit low concentrations of ozone on multiple occasions in what are known as low-ozone events. A reduction in the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere means a greater amount of high-energy UV radiation reaches the earth than would otherwise be the case. On Friday and Saturday, low-ozone air masses of this kind could reach Germany from south-west Europe.

The BfS therefore recommends that people protect themselves adequately from UV radiation.

On Friday and Saturday, low-ozone layers are expected to reach Germany from the south (see arrow). Source: DLR

Tips on protection from the sun

Inform yourself of the UV index in your region. The BfS website provides forecasts for different regions in Germany as well as graphs updated on a daily basis. The forecasts are based on the existing measurement data from the UV measurement network and current weather data. Popular weather apps also provide information on the UV index: UV protection is recommended from a UV index of 3 upwards.

You should seek shade during the midday hours – between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Leisure activities should ideally be moved to the early or late hours of the day.

Wear protective clothing and a hat.

Wear large and well-fitting sunglasses. Look for the "UV 400" label when buying. This means that the glasses filter out all the UV radiation up to a wavelength of 400 nanometres and provide adequate protection.

Sun cream of a sufficient sun protection factor (SPF) should be applied thoroughly to exposed parts of the body.

Protect children in particular: sunburns in childhood and adolescence increase the risk of UV-related diseases of the skin and eyes in later life.

Infants should not be exposed to direct sunlight.