Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Kharagpur, India, where sun exposure can lead to significant health risks, including sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and intense sunlight, Kharagpur presents unique challenges when it comes to ultraviolet radiation levels. For instance, the UV Index can peak at 11 around midday, emphasizing the necessity of protective measures. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin health and enjoy the sunshine safely.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off at a mild 3, indicating a low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the morning progresses into 08:00, it climbs to 6, signaling a moderate risk, and by 09:00, it spikes to 9, suggesting that sunscreen is a wise choice for outdoor activities. The peak intensity occurs between 10:00 and 12:00, where the index reaches a maximum of 11, categorizing it as very high. During these hours, keeping covered and using protection is essential. Post-lunch, a gradual decline begins; by 13:00, the index drops to 9, then to 6 by 14:00, and further decreases to 3 at 15:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels diminish significantly, hitting 1 by 16:00 and dropping to 0 by 18:00. This data showcases the importance of sun safety measures during peak hours to safeguard against UV exposure.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months typically spanning from February to October. February begins with a UV Index of 8, moving to a peak of 13 in the summer months of July, August, and September, where the exposure is deemed extreme and the burn time is as low as 10 minutes. As autumn approaches, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 11 in October, then returning to high-risk levels of 6-7 in the winter months of November and December, with burn times extending back to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during the high UV period, particularly from March to October, when sunscreen, protective clothing, and limited sun exposure are highly advised to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi UVI | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Kharagpur | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 6 |
| Mumbai UVI | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Ahmedabad UVI | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Hyderabad UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 8 |
| Bengaluru UVI | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 |