# Open UV Index API MCP > Open UV Index API monitors ultraviolet radiation levels for precise environmental safety checks. Your AI agent uses this server to get real-time UV indices, audit daily solar forecasts, and check local ozone concentrations using specific coordinates. It also delivers immediate sun protection advice based on the current risk level. This is your single source for localized outdoor health data. ## Overview - **Category:** scientific-research - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** uv-index, sun-safety, atmospheric-data, environmental-monitoring, real-time-alerts ## Description This server lets your AI agent handle localized outdoor health checks using UV radiation metrics. You don't need a bunch of different weather sites; this is your single source for reliable environmental data. Before you run anything, you can use the `check_api_status` tool to verify if the Open UV Index API connection is active and ready for service. It confirms whether the whole system is operational right now, so you don't waste cycles calling a dead endpoint. Knowing the status upfront saves time. To get the actual measurement, your agent calls `get_uv_index`. This tool delivers the precise, current Ultraviolet Index reading based on any latitude and longitude pair you give it. It gives you the hard number—the risk level right now at that specific spot. You can use this data point to gauge immediate outdoor safety. If you need to plan for tomorrow or later in the week, you'll pull data using `get_uv_forecast`. This tool audits the expected daily range and timing of solar intensity (UV forecast) for a location. It doesn't just give you an average; it shows you when the peak solar activity is going to hit that specific area. Once your agent has the UV Index or the forecasted risk level, it uses `get_uv_protection_guide`. This tool takes that raw number and generates actionable sun safety advice. It'll tell you exactly what kind of SPF you need, if a hat is mandatory, or if sunglasses are enough based on the current risk. You get concrete instructions, not just numbers. These tools work together to give your agent full control over outdoor planning data. When you combine checking the status with getting real-time readings and then generating specific safety guides, your AI client acts like a specialized environmental consultant. It monitors UV levels and helps you keep track of things that matter for localized health—it's all tied back to accurate coordinates. ## Tools ### check_api_status Confirms whether the Open UV service is currently operational and accessible to your agent. ### get_uv_forecast Retrieves the predicted daily range of solar intensity for a specific geographical location. ### get_uv_protection_guide Generates specific sun safety advice and recommendations based on the measured or forecasted UV Index. ### get_uv_index Gets the precise, current UV Index reading for any designated coordinate pair. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` What is the real-time UV Index for latitude 37.7749 and longitude -122.4194 using Open UV? ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved the real-time UV Index! It is currently identified as 8.5, which corresponds to a 'Very High' risk level. The ozone level is 300 du. Would you like the sun protection recommendations or the daily forecast for this site? ``` **Prompt:** ``` Show the UV forecast for today in 'Sydney, Australia'. ``` **Response:** ``` I've identified the coordinates for Sydney and retrieved the daily UV forecast! Solar intensity is expected to peak at 12:30 PM. I can provide the hourly UV metadata breakdown to help you plan your activities. ``` **Prompt:** ``` What sun protection is recommended for a UV Index of 10? ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved the protection guide metadata! For a UV Index of 10 (identified as 'Very High'), recommendations include using SPF 30+ sunscreen, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and staying in the shade during peak hours. I can assist you with more safety markers if needed. ``` ## Capabilities ### Check Service Status Verifies if the Open UV Index API connection is currently active and operational. ### Get Real-Time UV Index Retrieves the specific, current Ultraviolet Index reading for any given latitude and longitude pair. ### Predict Daily Forecast Audits the expected daily range and timing of solar intensity (UV forecast) for a specified location. ### Retrieve Safety Guidance Generates specific, actionable sun protection advice—like SPF recommendations or hat guidelines—based on the UV Index reading. ## Use Cases ### Organizing a Marathon The event coordinator needs to know when the sun is strongest. They ask their agent to run `get_uv_forecast` for the start line coordinates. The agent reports that peak intensity hits at 1:00 PM, allowing staff to mandate water breaks and shade stations during that specific window. ### Field Research on Pollution A scientist needs UV data alongside ozone readings for a pollutant study. They use `get_uv_index` and then query the associated atmospheric data through their agent, getting both metrics in one response to correlate environmental factors. ### Checking an Emergency Site A rescue team leader needs immediate safety intel at a remote location. They run `get_uv_index` and immediately receive the reading (e.g., 9/10). The agent then calls `get_uv_protection_guide`, recommending full coverage clothing and immediate shelter. ### Long-Term Event Scheduling A park manager is planning a multi-day festival. They use `get_uv_forecast` for the entire week to identify days with consistently high UV risk, allowing them to schedule activities indoors or in shaded areas during peak times. ## Benefits - Get immediate safety decisions. Instead of just seeing a number, calling `get_uv_protection_guide` tells you exactly what to pack (SPF 30+, wide-brimmed hat). - Plan ahead with confidence. Use `get_uv_forecast` weeks in advance to identify peak sun hours and adjust your outdoor schedule before the event even starts. - Monitor environmental factors beyond UV. The API also provides ozone levels, giving you a full picture of air quality risk alongside radiation exposure. - Maintain continuous operations. Running `check_api_status` ensures that if your safety workflow relies on this data, it won't fail unexpectedly mid-task. - Automate cross-functional reporting. Your agent can pull the real-time UV Index (`get_uv_index`) and combine it with local ozone measurements in a single report for operations leads. ## How It Works The bottom line is that your agent handles the coordinate input and multiple API calls so you just get a clear answer about how safe it is to be outside. 1. Subscribe to the server and input your OpenUV API Key. 2. Your AI client calls a tool (e.g., `get_uv_index`) specifying the required latitude and longitude. 3. The service returns structured data: the current UV Index, ozone level, and the recommended safety guidance. ## Frequently Asked Questions **How do I check if Open UV Index API is working right now?** Run the `check_api_status` tool. This confirms the entire service stack is operational and ready to accept data requests. **I need sun protection advice for my coordinates; which tool do I use? Open UV Index API** You must first get the current index using `get_uv_index`, then pass those results to `get_uv_protection_guide`. The guide needs the raw number to give you accurate advice. **Can I predict UV risk for a month out with Open UV Index API?** No. The server provides daily forecasts (`get_uv_forecast`) which are useful for planning weeks ahead, but it cannot project data months into the future. **What is the difference between `get_uv_index` and `get_uv_forecast`?** `get_uv_index` gives you a single number for right now. `get_uv_forecast` provides a pattern, showing how the intensity will change over an entire day. **What do I need to authenticate my calls using the Open UV Index API?** You must provide a valid OpenUV API Key. This key handles authentication for all calls, ensuring your agent's requests are legitimate and tracked by us. Make sure to pass this key in the required headers. **What happens if I give bad coordinates to the `get_uv_index` tool?** The function returns a specific error code and message instead of data. It tells you exactly why the location failed, usually requiring valid latitude/longitude pairs for successful execution. **Are there rate limits when I call multiple tools in a short time with Open UV Index API?** Yes, we enforce standard rate limiting. If your agent exceeds the allowed calls per minute, it will receive a 429 error. You'll need to back off and retry your requests after a delay. **How does ozone data affect my UV safety report when using `get_uv_index`?** The ozone level provides context for atmospheric filtering, which directly impacts radiation exposure. The readings complement the direct UV index data you retrieve and help assess overall environmental risk. **How do I find my OpenUV API Key?** Log in to your [**OpenUV account**](https://www.openuv.io/console), and you will find your API Key in your console dashboard. Copy and paste it below. **Does it support location search by coordinates?** Yes. All OpenUV tools require latitude and longitude parameters to retrieve precise regional radiation metadata. **Are sun protection recommendations included?** Yes. The `get_uv_protection_guide` tool retrieves specific safety metadata including recommended protective gear based on the current UV Index.