Sunshine, Shades, & Sunblock

Much of Central Virginia will likely have its first 80-degree day of the year today, with the high in Richmond expected to top out at 81 degrees. The warmest temperature so far this year at Richmond International Airport has been 79 degrees on March 20. We will also have full sunshine today and the rest of this week, with only occasional high, thin clouds. We are now into the full swing of Spring, which also means that more of the Sun's incident rays are more directly reaching us in Virginia. That means the UV Index is creeping higher, and some of you may have already had your first sunburn of the season. For Thursday, the UV Index is at 8, which is Very High. For your reference, here's the UV Index Scale from the Environmental Protection Agency:

Over the next week, be sure to protect yourself outdoors as you enjoy the warmer weather!