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3 things covered on this page. UV Index, air quality, and the drought map. UV Index The UV index is an international standard measurement of how strong the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at a particular place on a particular day. It is a scale primarily used in daily forecasts aimed at the general public. Its purpose is to help people to effectively protect themselves from UV light, of which excessive exposure causes sunburns, eye damage such as cataracts, skin aging, and skin cancer (see the section health effects of ultraviolet light). Public-health organizations recommend that people protect themselves (for example, by applying sunscreen to the skin and wearing a hat) when the UV index is 3 or higher; see the table below for complete recommendations.
 The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized indicator of the air quality in a given location. It measures mainly ground-level ozone and particulates (except the pollen count), but may also include sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Various agencies around the world measure such indices, though definitions may change between places. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) differ on what AQI structure and health classification is used: Health classifications used by the EPA: - 0-50 Good is usually green
- 51-100 Moderate is usually yellow
- 101-150 Unhealthy for sensitive groups is usually orange
- 151-200 Unhealthy is usually red
- 201-300 Very unhealthy is usually purple
- 301-500 Hazardous is usually maroon
Current Ozone Conditions
(click map to go to epa.gov/airnow) |  | | Good | Moderate | Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups | | Unhealthy | Very Unhealthy | Hazardous | Data not
available | | | | |
Drought map, (released every thursday): A drought is an extended period of months or years when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply. Generally, this occurs when a region receives consistently below average precipitation. However, the effects can also be worsened by man. It can have a substantial impact on the ecosystem and agriculture of the affected region. Although droughts can persist for several years, even a short, intense drought can cause significant damage and harm the local economy.
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