UV Radiation Levels Spike in Palakkad and Malappuram Districts

WITH the state recording high ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels on Thursday, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned people against direct exposure to the sun between 11am and 3pm.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Palakkad

A red alert has been issued for Palakkad and Malappuram districts where the UV index rose to 11. Kollam and Idukki districts recorded a level of 10, while Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam posted 9 on the index.

The index is recorded on a scale from 1 to 11+ that indicates the intensity of UV rays from the sun at a particular time and place. Experts say the ozone layer and cloud cover act as protective shields from UV radiation. Changes in the amount of ozone in the atmosphere and cloud cover determine the UV radiation reaching the earth's surface. When the sky is clear the intensity of UV radiation will be high.