Colorado’s UV Index is High For Many Factors, But Not the Obvious

The hot, sunny weather across Colorado has a lot of people out in the sun for prolonged periods these last few weeks. Outdoor BBQ's, events like the Greeley Stampede, long days at Water World or even just the neighborhood pool have people out there baking in the hot sun.

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By now, we are all aware that sunshine gives you some well needed Vitamin D, and we are also all aware that it can be extremely dangerous to be out in the sun too long without sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

We've all also heard from doctors and wise parents and grandparents that the State of Colorado has a higher UV index because simply put, we're closer to the sun here than they are in other states. But is that actually true?

Kind of.

Denver7 recently reported that the state has seen an increase in Melanoma cases in recent years, thanks to the high UV index in the state, but without much science as to why backing up the rise in the number of cases.

READ MORE: Does Colorado Have More Sun than the "Sunshine State?"

Turns out there is a legit scientific reason that is somewhat along the lines of our elevation puts us closer to the sun.

It's not that we're closer to the sun... it's that at higher elevations there is lower air pressure - also known as less atmosphere - between us and the sun.

Since Colorado has the highest mean elevation in the United States - roughly 6,800 feet as compared to the US average of 2,500 feet - that puts our air pressure among the lowest in the country.

While southern states like Arizona and Florida typically have a higher UV index than we do, that's due more to the lack of four unique seasons being further south, and having to do with the angle of the sun. But if you look at a map of the US, states with a similar latitude have significantly less UV than we do, simply thanks to having a lower elevation.

Regardless of where you live, sunscreen my friend, sunscreen. 30+ SPF every time you will be in the sun for a prolonged period, and don't forget to re-apply every two hours.