Bengaluru Weather: UV Radiation Hits ‘Extreme’, Risk Of Sunburn, Eye Damage; Karnataka Districts Cross 40°C

Bengaluru Weather Alert: Nearly a month before the peak summer season in Karnataka, several districts of the state are witnessing a sharp spike in maximum temperatures to above 40 Degree Celsius. Meanwhile, Karnataka's capital, Bengaluru, saw a sharp jump in UV (ultraviolet) radiation levels to 'extreme' levels over the past few weeks.

Bengaluru's weather condition has raised concerns among experts, as the city's UV index jumped to an extreme level of 13, which is far beyond the safe threshold. Prolonged exposure to extreme levels of UV radiation raises the risk of sunburn, premature skin ageing, eye damage, and even skin cancer, according to experts.

Bengaluru Weather Alert

Bengaluru and several parts of Karnataka are experiencing above normal levels of temperature in the first week of March. Bengaluru weather saw a sharp surge in temperature in the first week of March with maximum temperatures hovering between 32 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

As per IMD's Bengaluru weather update for Friday, March 6, maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover between 32 and 19 degrees Celsius. Humidity in the city is likely to remain around 60% and 35%.

Karnataka Weather Forecast

The maximum temperatures were above normal, ie 1.6 and 3 degrees Celsius, at few places over coastal Karnataka and at one or two places over North Interior Karnataka on Thursday, march 5.

As per the latest IMD report, coastal, south and north interior Karnataka districts are likely to see dry weather for the next four to five days.

'Extreme' UV Sparks Concerns Around Skin Irritation

Health experts are raising concerns about the sharp spike in Bengaluru's UV Index jump. Bengaluru recorded a relatively moderate temperature on Tuesday, but its UV Index soared to 13, which is above the normal range of 8, as per a Times of India report. The WHO classified this levels of UV as 'extreme".

"Any UV Index reading above 8 is considered harmful, and prolonged exposure at current levels significantly increases the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage, and, over time, skin cancer," TOI quoted an IMD official.

While extreme levels of UV is a concern, cities like Bengaluru and Mangaluru face higher risk due to reflective glass facades, expansive concrete surfaces, shrinking tree cover, etc. Prolonged exposure to rising UV levels can also cause severe health related issues like heat-related illnesses, sunburn, skin irritation, eye irritation, etc.

Authorities advise citizens to stay protected by following basic sun safety measures. People are urged to wear light, full-sleeved cotton clothes that cover the arms. Wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses and a generous layer of high-SPF sunscreen are also recommended for outdoor activities.