Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in this region's semi-arid climate. With UV levels peaking at a scorching 12 around noon, awareness of these harmful rays can help residents and visitors take necessary precautions. In a place where the sun shines brightly for much of the year, knowing when UV exposure is at its highest can safeguard against skin damage, ensuring that everyone enjoys the sunny days safely. Remember, a little knowledge goes a long way in protecting your skin from the sun's powerful rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a moderate level of 4 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 6, indicating a growing intensity. The peak arrives between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM when the index hits a sweltering 12, suggesting the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index drops to 10 by 1:00 PM, then continues to wane, reaching 4 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV Index diminishes further to 1 by 5:00 PM, and it finally settles to 0 as daylight fades at 7:00 PM. This data beautifully illustrates the sun's powerful presence throughout the day, reminding us to stay vigilant against UV exposure during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 4 | 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 |