Sunglasses On: San Luis Obispo Residents Urged to Prepare for La Niña Winter
Heat waves frequently occur in San Luis Obispo County and the rest of California, making sun protection crucial during summer. For instance, a previous post reports how the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department advised residents to stay cool not only for comfort but also to protect themselves from illnesses related to extreme heat, including sunburn and heat strokes. Among the reminders shared by health officials are staying in air-conditioned buildings, staying hydrated, and checking on family, friends, and neighbors who are especially at risk.
However, even with winter approaching, sun protection must still be prioritized. Weather forecasts indicate a phenomenon called ‘La Niña’ for San Luis Obispo County, which can result in an especially warm and dry winter. Continue reading to learn more about La Niña and how residents can stay safe and healthy throughout the season.
La Niña predictions for this winter
The continuous variations in the ocean temperatures in the Pacific result in complex weather patterns, including La Niña. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, cooler temperatures in the ocean surface can contribute to rain in the Pacific Northwest and make California’s Central Coast drier than usual this winter.
In San Luis Obispo County, this dry winter can include about three storms, which could be more intense than usual due to climate change. In addition to drought concerns, La Niña can bring about greater exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can increase the risk of health conditions like skin cancer and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eyes). Such health concerns urge county residents to incorporate the sun protection tips in the following section into their daily routine.
Sun protection tips for La Niña winter
As previously mentioned, UV rays can be more intense during La Niña, making San Luis Obispo County residents more susceptible to sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer.
Thus, sunscreen remains essential even in winter, ideally with a sun protection factor of at least 30 to provide broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen options can widely vary in terms of brands and formulations, from Neutrogena’s Ultimate Sport Body Spray Sunscreen with SPF70+, which provides easier application, to Drunk Elephant’s new Umbra Tinte Mineral Crème SPF 30/PA+++, which has mineral UV filters to suit all skin types.
Since UV rays can reach the eyes and increase the risk of photokeratitis, individuals can also practice sun protection by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Even those with vision impairments like myopia can opt for prescription sunglasses, which Sunglass Hut provides for added vision correction. The retailer offers prescription options for protective frame styles like the Oakley OO9147 Holbrook with polarized lenses for outdoor activities and the Gucci GG0381SN for maximum coverage through oversized frames.
Lastly, residents can ensure sun protection this La Niña winter by choosing clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor, which functions similarly to SPF in terms of filtering the percentage of UV rays that can penetrate the fabric. A clothing item’s specific UPF is typically based on the type of dyes, weave patterns, and textiles used. For example, the outdoor fashion and lifestyle brand Krimson Klover’s base layer tops and bottoms for winter are made of soft, recycled materials with UPF50+ and moisture-wicking properties.
Overall, the expected arrival of La Niña this winter means San Luis Obispo residents must remain aware of the importance of sun protection for health and safety. By investing in essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and UPF clothing, they can minimize their UV exposure amid an especially warm and dry winter.
