Burn Warning: UV Index of 11 Expected

The sun's rays will be especially strong Wednesday in Sierra Madre and the Los Angeles area. The ultraviolet index level is forecasted to be 11, according to the National Weather Service.

The UV Index is measured on a scale of one to 11+, so this forecast is about as high as you can get. The reading indicates what the UV exposure is expected to be at noon, when the sun's rays are at their strongest.

A UV Index of 11 means that a fair-skinned person could develop a sunburn in under four minutes if they're not protected. So, if you go for an afternoon stroll down Sierra Madre Blvd., it might be a good idea to wear sunscreen, a hat or long sleeves.

Temperatures are expected to top out at 81 degrees Wednesday, and stay in the low 80s for the rest of the week, according to NWS.

Here's a look at the UV Index Scale:

• A reading of 0-2 indicates a minimal exposure level, and very fair-skinned people could become sunburned in 30 minutes if not properly protected.
• A reading of 3-4 is considered a low exposure level, reducing the danger
  range for those with fair complexions to 15-20 minutes if not protected.
• A moderate exposure level of 5-6 indicates that a person with a fair
  complexion could be safe from sun burn for 10-12 minutes, unless protected.
• A high exposure level reading of 7-9 means that a person could be sunburned in 7-8 minutes.
• A very high exposure level reading of 10, or greater, means a fair-skinned person could suffer a sunburn in about four minutes if not protected.

For more info on the UV Index scale, check out the Environmental Protection Agency's Sunwise program.

--City News Service contributed to this report