Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, where the unique BSk climate brings a diverse range of sunlight exposure throughout the year. With UV levels peaking at 11—the highest risk category—around midday, it’s vital to be aware of sunburn prevention strategies and skin health implications. By learning about the UV index and its fluctuations, you can make informed decisions about when to seek shade and protect your skin from harmful UV rays, especially during those high-risk hours. Stay safe under the sun and embrace the beauty of Mehtar Lam while safeguarding your health!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins a steady ascent, starting at a moderate 3 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 5, catching the attention of early risers. The intensity peaks dramatically at 10:00 AM, hitting a blistering 10, and remains at its highest at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a value of 11. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slowly retreats, dipping to 9 at 1:00 PM and further to 7 by 2:00 PM. By the time the sun begins its descent, the numbers dwindle to 4 at 3:00 PM, and taper off to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM, disappearing entirely by 7:00 PM. This hourly fluctuation underscores the importance of sun protection during those peak hours, especially when the UV Index soars. Remember to stay safe and shield yourself during the hottest times of the day!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 the levels of UV radiation, significantly impacting sun exposure safety. January begins with a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes, but this escalates rapidly. By February, the Index climbs to 7, classifying it as high with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The spring and summer months reach their peak, with March hitting a very high level of 10 and April to August experiencing extreme levels at 11-12, necessitating caution with a mere 10-minute burn time during these months. September and October still carry substantial risk, reflected in their very high UV Index of 10 and 8, respectively. Residents and visitors should take precautions, especially between March and October, when the risk of sunburn is highest. Recommendations include wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. As the year ends, November and December see a return to moderate UV levels, providing some relief with increased burn times of 30 minutes.
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 |
| Mehtar Lam | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 |
| 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 |