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The Hong Kong Observatory today (May 11) began its Ultraviolet (UV) Index forecast which will enable people to adopt appropriate protective measures against possible harm from UV radiation when planning outdoor activities.
Measurement and dissemination of UV levels by the Observatory since 1999 was well received by the public but after research and analysis of the data collected during the years, the Observatory developed the UV Index forecast service. At 5pm every day, starting from today, a forecast of the maximum UV Index for the following day will be provided. When the UV index is expected to be 11 (corresponding to an extreme UV level) or above, people will be reminded of the need to take protective measures, such as avoiding prolonged exposure under the sun. The UV forecast information can be obtained through radio, television, Dial-a-Weather service (1878200-313), the Observatory¡¯s website (http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/uvfcst/uvfcst.htm) and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) website (http://pda.weather.gov.hk/uvfcst.htm).
In a press conference at the King's Park Meteorological Station, Assistant Director of the Observatory Dr Lee Boon-ying introduced the UV Index forecast service as well as the various types of instruments used in the measurement of UV and solar radiation. Dr Lee explained that UV radiation came from the Sun and on reaching the Earth after passing through the atmosphere, may be modified by a number of weather factors. By forecasting the weather situation for the next day, the Observatory calculates the corresponding UV index. The purpose of issuing the forecast UV index is to assist people, especially those frequently engaged in outdoor activities, to take necessary protections against exposure to UV.
Also at the press conference was Principal Medical and Health Officer of the Department of Health Dr Ng Chi-cheung. He said that moderate exposure to the sun was good to people's health, but overexposure to UV could induce skin and eye injury, photokeratoconjunctivitis, cataract and skin cancer. "On days when the UV Index is on the high side, one should wear a hat, use an umbrella, wear suitable clothing and apply sunscreen lotion to protect the body. The Observatory's forecast UV Index enables people to make the necessary precautions against changes in UV," Dr Ng said.
A trial version of the UV forecast service launched earlier on the Observatory's website has been well received. Olympic windsurfing gold medallist Lee Lai-shan said, "We spend a lot of time practising outdoors and are exposed to all kinds of weather. We got burnt by UV even under seemingly cloudy skies. The UV forecast gives us very useful guidance in taking protective measures." Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Countryside Activities Mr Lee Chun-wai also welcomed the new service. "Hikers often stay under the sun for a long time. This service puts us on the alert and allows us to take measures against UV exposure before the journey starts," he said.
Ends/Thursday, May 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:41
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