Why do some people get sunburned on snowy days?
Description:
The primary reason why some people get sunburned on snowy days is the reflection of sunlight from snow. Snow is highly reflective, bouncing back up to 80-90% of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This means that even if the weather is cold, the UV rays can still reach your skin and cause sunburn.
Additional contributing factors:
Higher UV radiation levels: At higher altitudes, UV radiation levels are more intense because the atmosphere is thinner and absorbs less UV light.
Altered skin sensitivity: Cold temperatures and wind can sometimes make skin more sensitive, but this is a less common reason for sunburn.
To protect yourself, wear sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and UV-blocking goggles even on snowy days.