I have been doing some work on working conditions for my staff. I did some research on the sun's UV levels and protective clothing. I downloaded the UV data at Camp Mabry for the last three years (2010, 2011, 2012) and made a table according to the EPA's sunwise scale : http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uviscale.html
Today (Feb 27) is projected to hit 7 on the UV scale which means apply SPF 30 sunscreen and wear wide brimmed hats and sun glasses. Protection against the sun is needed. Minimize the hours outside between 10 am and 4 pm. Stay to the shade. (This is February!!)
You will be surprised to learn what the two higher categories mean. UV 8 - 11 and UV > 11. Please see the link above.
What that link won't tell you is what are the conditions here in Austin. The data told me the following:
From May to September, we are getting 50% of our days in of UV 8.1 to 11.0, and some at 11.1 +. In July and August, we have 40% or more of our days at 11.1 or greater.
As a note, UV 8-11 is Very High (i.e. do everything you can to minimize UV risk), and 11+ is basically find a reason to stay inside.
UV Sunlight Frequencies
Austin TX - 2010 to 2012
| Range | 0.0 | 3.1 | 6.1 | 8.1 | 11.1 |
| to | 3.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 11.0 | 16.0 |
| Jan | 33% | 62% | 5% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb | 43% | 39% | 15% | 2% | 0% |
| Mar | 33% | 40% | 24% | 3% | 0% |
| Apr | 32% | 27% | 25% | 16% | 0% |
| May | 6% | 14% | 19% | 54% | 6% |
| Jun | 9% | 17% | 17% | 46% | 12% |
| Jul | 3% | 6% | 8% | 37% | 46% |
| Aug | 1% | 4% | 11% | 44% | 40% |
| Sep | 4% | 12% | 20% | 53% | 10% |
| Oct | 5% | 29% | 54% | 11% | 0% |
| Nov | 20% | 62% | 18% | 0% | 0% |
| Dec | 18% | 81% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
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