New Zealand faces "extreme" levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on Sunday - and Kiwis are being warned to stay safe.
"There's plenty of sun in the forecast for the North Island and upper South Island [on Sunday] with UV levels set to be in the 'extreme' category for many," NIWA warns on Facebook.
"Here's your friendly reminder to slip, slop, slap and wrap before heading out the door."
Measurements around New Zealand show UV levels reaching over 11 in both Auckland and Wellington. Values of 10 or more should be considered as "extreme".
"The UV Index is a measure of the intensity of UV radiation. The larger the number, the more intense the UV. In New Zealand, its maximum summer value is generally about 12, but it can exceed 13 in the far North," NIWA says on its website.
"As an approximate guide, a UV Index of 12 corresponds to a burn time of about 12 minutes; a UV Index of 6 corresponds to a burn time of 24 minutes, and so on."
New Zealand has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, killing more than 300 people each year.
SunSmart's advice to stay safe:
- Slip on a shirt
- Slip into the shade
- Slop on sunscreen
- Slap on a hat
- Wrap on sunglasses
