UV and ozone

CFCs have damaged the ozone layer and led to higher UV levels and increased health risks. NIWA works to understand the causes and effects of ozone depletion, to inform the public of the risk.

  • Light shines on UV radiation research

    Media release
    Sun worshippers may feel the burn next week as scientists and health professionals from around the world meet in Wellington to discuss the latest research on the effects of UV radiation.
  • UVI at Lauder

    Real-time UV Index displays

    NIWA has developed a real time UV display in consultation with the Cancer Society and Sunsmart.
  • Atmospheric ozone, ultraviolet radiation, and stratospheric change

    Research Project
    CFCs have damaged the ozone layer and led to higher UV levels and increased health risks. Our role is to understand the causes and effects of ozone depletion, to inform the public of the risk.
  • 2014 UV Workshop

    Presented papers, arranged by workshop programme.
  • Weather app screenshots

    UVI smartphone apps

    Several apps that provide forecasts of the UV index (UVI) are available for smartphones. 
  • All-sky - Lauder

    All-Sky images

    The all-sky image shows a hemispheric view of the sky at Lauder.
  • Lauder Atmospheric Research Station

    UVI forecast for Specific Sites

    Check out UV index forecasts for locations in New Zealand (including ski fields), Australia, the Pacific and Antarctica.
  • UV Index at Leigh - 17 October 2023

    Today's UV Index

    Today's UV Index
  • UV index signage at Lauder

    UV Index Information

    The UV Index is a measure of the intensity of UV radiation. The larger the number, the more intense the UV. In New Zealand, its maximum summer value is generally about 12, but it can exceed 13 in the far North. In winter it reaches peak values of 1 or 2. Values of 10 or more should be considered as "extreme". At high altitude tropical sites (eg Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii), the UV Index can exceed 20.The UV Index supersedes the idea of "Time to Burn" or "Burn Time", which has been used previously in New Zealand.
  • UV Index at Leigh - 16 October 2023

    Yesterday's UV Index

    Plots of UV levels throughout the day at different locations.
  • Front and rear views of a Mark I dosimeter badge. [NIWA]

    Personal UV Dosimeters

    NIWA has developed personal UV dosimeter badges to support studies relating UV exposure to human health.
  • UV Atlas

    More information about NIWA's UV Atlas