During the summer holidays we’d like to remind all Kiwis to cover up if you’re spending quite a bit of time outside.

Even if the skies aren’t brilliantly blue we can still burn and it doesn’t matter how hot or cold it might be.

Here’s some information about what happens in this part of the world when exposed to the sun’s harsh rays.

1/ New Zealand has the highest rate of melanoma skin cancer in the world.

2/ Over recent years, the number of people dying from melanoma has been on a par with the road toll.

3/ No matter what your skin type, sunburn now could lead to melanoma later in life.

4/ Sun protection is required from September through to April, especially between 10am – 4pm.

5/ Sunburn is a big concern because it is linked to melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

6/ You can get sunburnt on cloudy days. UV radiation penetrates through clouds and can be even higher due to reflection.
You can get sunburnt on cooler days. The strength of the sun’s rays is not affected by the actual temperature.

7/ There is no such thing as windburn. Wind does lower the air temperature, making it easy to forget that UV radiation from the sun is still strong.

8/ There is no such term now as a healthy tan. Tanned skin is skin damaged by the sun.

9/ If you tan easily or have dark skin, you are still at risk of skin cancer and should use sun protection.

Weatherwatch.co.nz also endorses the slip slop slap and wrap message if spending considerable periods of time outside.

Homeimage of a sunburnt victim not using sunscreen during the peak of summer.

WeatherWatch.co.nz