A policy analysis for the implementation of a national weather service ultraviolet radiation forecast

Increased incidence of all types of skin cancer has become a major health issue and is receiving a growing amount of attention from physicians and scientists. Ongoing research is examining a probable link between ultraviolet radiation exposure and skin cancers; however, different hypotheses have been proposed about potential increased health impacts from ultraviolet radiation exposure.

It is recognized that the National Weather Service will someday have an ultraviolet radiation forecast to inform and educate the public on UV conditions and hazards of UV exposure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate alternative dissemination possibilities for the implementation of a UV forecast by the National Weather Service. Planning criteria for this study consist of policy analyses that are fundamental for implementation of NWS forecasts that could help ameliorate health and social impacts from sunlight exposure.

Primary information sources used for this research were one hundred forty NWS Field Offices located throughout the NWS service area. Methods of research for data collection involved the distribution of survey questionnaires to all NWS Field Offices identified by the NWS Office of Public Affairs. Most questions addressed the use of a UV forecast, the preferred format of a UV forecast, and the suggested dissemination frequency by NWS Field Offices and the National Meteorological Center. Analyzed responses from participants indicated a widespread Field Office interest in the implementation of a UV forecast.