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It’s eyes on the skies with the unofficial kickoff to summertime this weekend, and even with a less than sunny forecast, it’s important to stay sun safe.
WASHINGTON — Sunshine on a cloudy day sure sounds nice, but might not feel so great. You may have heard warnings to lather up the sunscreen even when it’s cloudy or overcast because the sun’s rays are even more powerful. So is that true?
THE QUESTION:
Are UV rays stronger on overcast days?
THE SOURCES:
THE ANSWER:
While cloud coverage dampens the sun’s rays by a small percent, sometimes clouds scattered high in the sky can create a “broken cloud effect” and actually enhance UV rays on the ground. In any case, it’s important to wear sunscreen as usual.
WHAT WE FOUND:
A dark and cloudy day will, by definition, block out some sunshine, but our research all concludes that many of those skin-damaging rays can still filter through.
“Around 80% of the sun rays can penetrate through the clouds,” said Dr. Kathleen Ellison, US Dermatology Partners, echoing the findings of The American Academy of Dermatology.
“So you're still getting sun exposure and sun damage even if the sun is not out,” said Dr. Ellison.
And some clouds could be worse than none at all. Verify looked at several studies showing a phenomenon sometimes called the “broken cloud effect” can actually cause the sun’s light to reflect and bounce around more intensely.
The University of Washington’s Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health cites research showing UV rays enhanced by 25% on a partly cloudy day, compared to a sunny day.
However, the reason for your cloudy day sunburn might be less meteorological and more mental: experts say people often aren't thinking of applying or reapplying sunscreen when they aren’t feeling bright, direct sunrays.
Windy days can also cool the skin and the Skin Cancer Foundation warns, can make you more likely to blow off sunscreen.
No matter the weather, if you’re near the water, it’s extra important to lather up. According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, light bouncing off water and sand can effectively double UV exposure.
English (US) ·