Ever wonder exactly what the weather indicators in the sanCheck app mean? From UV index to feels-like temperature, here's a plain-language guide to the terms you'll see most often.
A 0–11+ scale showing how strongly ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can affect your skin. The higher the index, the greater the risk of skin damage from even short periods outdoors — sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended.
PM10 refers to particulate matter 10 micrometers or smaller in diameter; PM2.5 is even finer, 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Because PM2.5 particles are smaller, they can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system and even the bloodstream, posing greater health risks.
A calculated value combining actual air temperature with factors like wind and humidity to represent how warm or cold it actually feels. In winter, strong wind can make it feel much colder; in summer, high humidity can make it feel much hotter than the thermometer reading.
The percentage chance of rain or snow at a given time and location. A high probability doesn't necessarily mean heavy precipitation — it reflects the likelihood of any precipitation occurring.
The temperature at which water vapor in the air begins to condense into dew. The closer the dew point is to the actual temperature, the more humid it feels — an important indicator of how muggy a hot day will feel.
High-pressure systems tend to bring clear skies, while low-pressure systems tend to bring clouds and precipitation.
The maximum distance at which an object can be clearly seen. Fog, dust storms, and heavy air pollution reduce visibility — take extra care when driving.