Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone in Now Zad, Afghanistan, where the desert climate can lead to intense sun exposure. In this region marked by a BWk climate, awareness of ultraviolet (UV) levels plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. With peak UV readings soaring to 13 around noon, it’s essential to be vigilant. By knowing when the sun’s rays are at their strongest, residents and visitors can take proactive measures to protect themselves from harmful effects, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience under the Afghan sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, peaking at a striking 13 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM—a clear signal for sun protection. Starting from a modest 3 at 7:00 AM, it swiftly escalates through the morning, reaching 9 by 9:00 AM and hitting 11 at 10:00 AM. The intensity then soars to its maximum, urging outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade or slather on sunscreen. By 1:00 PM, the index starts to dip to 12, followed by a gradual decline, bringing it down to 6 at 3:00 PM. As the afternoon fades into evening, the UV threat lessens, tapering to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally settling at 0 after 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of vigilance against UV exposure during peak hours to ensure a safe and enjoyable day in the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The seasonal UV changes reveal a notable increase in UV Index values from January to August, peaking at 13 during the summer months of May through July, categorized as extreme. March marks the transition to very high UV levels, while September begins a gradual decline back to lower levels. High-risk months include March to September, where residents and visitors are exposed to significant UV radiation and should be particularly vigilant. During these months, it is advised to seek shade, wear sun protection such as sunscreen and protective clothing, and limit outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours. The burn time drastically decreases during this peak period, with just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure potentially leading to skin damage. In contrast, the winter months of January and December present moderate exposure, with burn times extending to 30 minutes, indicating a lower immediate risk but still warranting some sun protection.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazar-e Sharif UVI | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Jalalabad UVI | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Herat UVI | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| Kandahar UVI | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Now Zad | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 |
| Kabul UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |