Honestly, most of us only check the weather for two things: will I need an umbrella, and do I need a heavy coat? We treat the sun like a summer-only problem. But if you’re asking what will the uv be today, you’re already ahead of the game. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and even though parts of the United States are feeling that deep mid-winter chill, the ultraviolet radiation doesn't just clock out for the season.
Right now, across much of the country, the current UV index is sitting at a 1. By the time we hit the peak of the day, it's expected to reach a maximum of 2.
On paper, that sounds like nothing. A "2" is classified as Low on the World Health Organization's scale. Most people see that green icon on their weather app and assume they can go full "vampire mode" on their skincare routine. But there is a massive catch that specifically affects us in January.
The Winter UV Trap You’re Probably Falling Into
Here is the thing about a low UV day in the dead of winter. It is deceptively dangerous if there is snow on the ground.
Most people don't realize that while grass and soil reflect less than 10% of UV radiation, fresh snow can reflect up to 80-90% of it. Basically, you're getting hit twice—once from the sky and once from the ground. It’s why skiers end up with those hilarious (and painful) goggle tans. Even when the index says 2, the reflection can effectively double your exposure.
I’ve seen friends get windburn that was actually just a mild sunburn because they thought the "Low" rating meant "Zero."
What those numbers actually mean for your skin
The UV Index isn't just a random number; it’s a calculation of how much skin-damaging radiation reaches the surface at solar noon.
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- 0-2 (Low): You’re generally safe for about an hour. Wear sunglasses if it's bright out.
- 3-5 (Moderate): This is the danger zone for the "I don't burn" crowd. Protection is needed if you're out for more than 20 minutes.
- 6-7 (High): Your skin can start to cook in about 15-20 minutes without SPF.
- 8-10 (Very High): Extra precautions. Find shade.
- 11+ (Extreme): Avoid being outside at noon. Your skin can burn in minutes.
Why "What Will the UV Be Today" Changes Based on Where You Stand
If you’re in the mountains of Colorado today, your "Low" index of 2 is much more intense than a "2" in a coastal city. UV intensity increases about 6% for every 1,000 feet of elevation. The atmosphere is thinner up there, so there are fewer molecules to soak up the rays before they hit your face.
Then you’ve got the cloud factor. There’s this persistent myth that clouds are a magical UV shield. Not true. While thick, dark "storm clouds" can block a significant amount, thin or wispy clouds can actually increase UV levels through a phenomenon called scattering. The light bounces off the sides of the clouds and focuses on you like a magnifying glass.
The UVA vs. UVB Divide
We usually talk about UV like it’s one thing. It isn't.
UVB rays are the ones that cause the classic red sunburn. They are much stronger in the summer and at midday. However, UVA rays remain relatively constant throughout the year. They penetrate deeper into the skin and are the primary cause of premature aging and long-term DNA damage. Even when the "what will the uv be today" forecast looks low, the UVA is still there, quietly working on those fine lines while you think you’re safe because you aren’t turning red.
Real Talk: Do You Actually Need Sunscreen Today?
If you are spending the day inside an office or your house, probably not. But if you’re going for a midday walk, hitting the slopes, or even driving for a few hours, the answer is a begrudging "yes."
Car windows are great at blocking UVB, but they let a surprising amount of UVA through. Ever notice how your left arm gets more "age spots" than your right? That's the sun through the driver's side window.
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Actionable Steps for Today’s Forecast
Since today’s max is a 2, you don't need to go overboard. You don't need to dress like a desert nomad. But you should follow these realistic steps:
- Check the "Solar Noon": The UV peaks between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. If you’re running errands then, that’s your exposure window.
- Sunglasses are Non-Negotiable: "Snow blindness" is essentially a sunburn on your cornea. It’s real and it hurts. Wear shades that offer 100% UV protection.
- The Shadow Rule: It’s a classic for a reason. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun is at its strongest. If your shadow is long and stretched out, the atmosphere is doing most of the filtering for you.
- Moisturize with SPF: Since it's cold, your skin barrier is likely already struggling. Using a moisturizer with a built-in SPF 30 is the easiest way to handle a "Low" UV day without feeling like you're greasing up for the beach.
The bottom line is that the UV index is a tool, not a rule. A "2" in January isn't the same as a "2" in October because of the environmental factors like snow and dry air. Stay smart, keep the sunglasses handy, and don't let the cold temperatures trick you into thinking the sun has lost its bite.