If it seems the UV Index was higher this spring than past years, there could be an explanation for that.

Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada says the UV Index is a measure of the strength of the sun's ultraviolet rays. It is generated automatically by their modeling. Canada's UV Index scale starts at 0, which is considered Very Low and ends at 11, which is considered Extreme. There have been many days recently where the UV Index has been 8 or 9, which is considered Very High.

According to Hasell, they recently updated their modeling with respect to ultraviolet rays, the ozone layer, the atmosphere and how the sun travels through the atmosphere.

"So actually now we have a better representation of the actual UV risk or UV Index than we might have had just last year," explains Hasell. "The numbers are slightly higher, they've been corrected and they are more appropriately at the level they should be now."

Since June 21, 2016, there have been more than 100 days in southern Manitoba where the UV Index has been 9 or Very High and only a handful of days where it peaked at 10. The most recent day with a UV Index of 10 was on Thursday of this week. Hasell says she is fairly certain southern Manitoba has at some point had a UV Index as high as 11. She notes in Canada, the highest values typically occur in southern Ontario. Hasell says that is the result of where it is geographically located in relation to the angle of the sun. She notes UV Index values in sunny southern Manitoba are usually not far behind.

"On the days when we don't get thunderstorms, we often get clear, blue skies because we sit under ridges of high pressure that kind of eliminate any cloud production whatsoever," she explains. "So there's nothing to stop that sun from reaching us here down at the surface."

Hasell says during the summer months it is not surprising to have very high values, noting we have reached the time of year when the UV Index is at its highest.

Hasell stresses the importance of developing habits to protect your skin and your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. She notes the accumulative effect of sun exposure can lead to skin damage, skin cancer, cataracts and can even weaken your immune system. Hasell encourages seeking shade, wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible and a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. She says sunscreen should be used with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 30 and should be applied generously.

Though winter might right now be the furthest thing from our mind, Hasell reminds us that skin protection is also important during the colder months. She says with lower UV values in winter it is still possible to get a sunburn in winter, such as during a day on the ski slopes.

According to Hasell, many countries have a UV Index, though they don't necessarily use the same models. For example, in Canada, our UV Index peaks at 11. If the UV Index were to climb higher than 11, it would be considered 11+. But in countries such as Australia, the UV Index could jump to 14 or 15. Hasell says the ozone layer above parts of Australia is either very thin or non-existent.