Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Nurgal, Afghanistan, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun exposure, especially during the region's hot and sunny climate. With peak UV Index values reaching 12 around midday, the risks of harmful ultraviolet radiation are significant. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can ensure safe practices under the sun, safeguarding your skin from lasting damage while enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Nurgal.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a striking pattern of intensity, peaking at 12 around 11:00 AM. As the morning unfolds, values climb from a moderate 3 at 07:00 AM to a scorching 11 by 10:00 AM. After reaching its zenith at noon, the index begins to wane, slipping back to 9 by 1:00 PM, and steadily descending to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM. As dusk approaches, the UV Index dwindles to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a transition to nighttime. This data underscores the critical hours for sun protection, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when UV exposure can be most harmful.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do UV Index levels, significantly impacting sun exposure safety for residents and visitors. From January through February, the UV Index remains in the moderate range (4-5), allowing for about 30 minutes of sun exposure without risk of burning. However, March and April see a sharp increase, with indices peaking at 9 and 10, categorized as very high, shortening safe exposure time to just 15 minutes. May through August present the highest risk, reaching extreme levels (11-12)—where even 10 minutes of exposure can lead to burns. In September, levels decrease but remain very high at 10, requiring vigilance with 15 minutes of protective time. By October, the index drops to 7, allowing for 25 minutes of relatively safe exposure, while November and December return to moderate levels (3-4), with safe burn times extended back to 30 minutes. It is advisable for everyone to check daily UV Index levels and take necessary precautions during high-risk months, particularly from March to September, when sun exposure can be more harmful.
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 |
| Nurgal | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 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 |
| Kabul UVI | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |