People cover themselves from sunlight as the UV index in the southern region reached extreme levels. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The ultraviolet (UV) radiation index in the southern region reached extreme levels, posing health risks to people exposed to the sun, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

The centre's report showed the index was at the high-risk level of 7 and above in Nha Trang City, HCM City and Cần Thơ City on Wednesday while it was at 6 in Huế City and Cà Mau Province. 

The ultraviolet index in the north remained at a low level. But it was still high in Hà Nội and Đà Nẵng cities, at level 5 and above.

From Thursday to Saturday, the index will be at a moderate and high-risk level of 3 and 6 in the north and at a high and very high level of 6 and 8 in the central and southern regions.

Strong UV radiation will be recorded mostly from 11am to 3pm.

People are advised to shield themselves when going outdoors and avoid long-term sunlight exposure.

People should eat plenty of fresh fruit rich in vitamin C and use sunscreen regularly, even when it is cloudy.

If exposed to high temperatures for a long time, people could become dehydrated, exhausted, and suffer heat stroke. — VNS