Sunburn alert as ozone thins

Scientists are warning sun lovers to be cautious this summer as ultraviolet rays will be at near record intensity.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research said yesterday the ozone hole over Antarctica this year was "relatively large" and its intensity nearly as high as it has ever been.

This week is SunSmart week and spokeswoman Wendy Billingsley welcomed the information.

"Ozone is important because it acts like a giant shield against the sun's harmful rays.

"With less ozone in the upper atmosphere, the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface will increase, so people have to take extra care to use sunscreen, cover up with clothes and hats and take shade where possible."

Dr Richard McKenzie, leader of Niwa's UV radiation programme, says people need to be especially careful about 1.30pm, when the sun is at its highest.

He said the further north in New Zealand, the greater the risk.

Niwa has measured UV radiation levels since the late 1980s. The earliest full recovery of the hole is not expected until the middle of the century.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said New Zealanders could expect a possible increase in extreme weather patterns this summer.