Last updated: June 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial in Markaz-e Woluswali-ye Achin, Afghanistan, where the high-altitude climate can lead to significant sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. With typical summer UV readings peaking at an intense 11, residents and visitors alike should be prepared for potential risks, particularly during mid-day hours. As the region's BSh climate often brings clear skies, knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can help everyone enjoy the sun while safeguarding their skin against harmful effects.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 11 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a very high level of sun exposure. Early morning hours start off mild, with a maximum of 3 at 07:00, but by 09:00, the UV intensity escalates to 9, urging caution. The intense midday sun keeps its grip until 13:00, where it dips to 9, before gradually waning throughout the afternoon. By 15:00, the index falls to 4, and as evening approaches, it declines to a minimal 1 by 17:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun's rays are strongest.
| 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 | 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 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 |
| Markaz-e Woluswali-ye Achin | 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 |