Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Bitkine, Chad, where the sun can be relentless. High UV levels, especially between late morning and early afternoon, significantly increase the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and long-term health issues like skin cancer. Given Bitkine's hot semi-arid climate, with peak UV Index values reaching up to 12, awareness of these UV levels is essential for protecting your skin. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the harmful effects of sun exposure.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, peaking dramatically in the midday sun. Starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity rises sharply to 4 by 8:00 AM and then escalates to 6 at 9:00 AM. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM with a blistering 12, marking the height of the UV radiation. Just an hour later, it dips slightly to 10, before gradually descending to 4 by 3:00 PM and tapering off to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index falls to 0 from 6:00 PM onwards, suggesting a much safer time for outdoor activities. It's vital to take precautions during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when the UV index indicates significant risk for sunburn and skin damage. Stay protected!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with the highest values occurring from March to October. The months of February through September are particularly high-risk, characterized by extreme exposure categories and minimal burn times of only 10 minutes. Notably, August sees the peak UV Index at 14, marking it as a critical month for sun safety. During these high-risk periods, visitors and residents should take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. As UV levels decrease in November and December, they remain at very high levels with burn times of 15 minutes, so continued vigilance is advised even in the cooler months.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abeche UVI | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
N'Djamena UVI | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
Bitkine | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 |
Sarh UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Moundou UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
Kelo UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |