Travelers Warned: Why Experts Say to Be Extra Careful in Colorado Right Now

When you first move to Colorado, there are a few things that you learn pretty quickly.

Green chile goes on everything...

The air really is that thin...

And you HAVE to apply sunscreen!

READ MORE: 5 Things That Tell You Someone's New to Northern Colorado

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Sunburn in Colorado Can Happen Fast—Even If You’re Only Outside for 10 Minutes

Earlier this week, I wore a top that exposed more of my chest and shoulders than normal. I was inside for the majority of the day working, but when I stepped outside of our studio, the sun just kept beating down.

In total, I probably spent about ten minutes outside just going to my car and getting into my apartment.

When I was about to hop in the shower a few hours later, I noticed that the part of my skin that had been exposed to the sun had turned pink.

While friends of mine have affectionately called me Casper the friendly ghost, I had never gotten that much sun from just walking out of work before.

Why the Sun Feels So Much Stronger in Colorado

Any longtime resident of Colorado knows that you need to take extra care to lather on sunscreen out here. Due to the higher elevation, you are more likely to burn.

Colorado’s High Elevation Means Less Protection from UV Rays

According to a report from Aspen Valley Health, for every 1,000 feet above sea level, the sun’s UV rays intensify by approximately 10%.

In laymen's terms, the higher you get, the less protection you get from the sun's rays.

Planning Outdoor Time in Colorado? Sunscreen Is a Must

So, if you are planning to spend any extended time outside here in the Centennial State, experts advise you to apply sunscreen or sunblock.

UV Warnings Issued for Colorado and Other Sun-Intense States

Officials are actually warning Americans to be wary of the sun in five states.

These states include Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado.

What Is the UV Index and Why Should Coloradans Care?

The Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that locals would experience something called an Extreme UV Index on Tuesday, May 13th.

So, the UV Index actually operates on a 1 – 11+ scale and predicts the "expected intensity of UV radiation from the sun."

Northern Colorado UV Index: What It Means for You

Once the UV Index reaches eleven or more on this scale, then it is considered "extreme."

As of the morning of Wednesday, May 14th the UV Index in Northern Colorado stands at a nine on the scale.

Over the next couple of days, sunscreen will be your friend.

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