DES MOINES, Iowa - In a matter of weeks we've gone from windchill warnings to sunburn alerts, with the Environmental Protection Agency UV map showing high risk of burns through Nebraska and Northwestern Iowa. There were blizzard and windchill warnings only ten days ago for much of the Midwest, including Nebraska, Northwest Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
This weekend there are elevated UV risk in the same states. Across Iowa and Nebraska, the UV level is 8, which means skin-damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes. Peak time for sunburn and sun damage is 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes the three major forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; and cutaneous malignant melanoma, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The NIH says dangerous UV exposure is easily modified by using sunscreens and limiting exposure of bare skin to sunlight.
The number of skin cancer diagnoses is rising, especially among men.
CLICK HERE for more information and research.
Historic blizzard possible across Midwest Wednesday to Friday MAPS
By Wendy Wilde