Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Arafat, Mauritania, where the BWh climate brings high sun exposure year-round. Knowledge of UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and protect your skin health, which is vital given the increasing intensity of sunlight throughout the day. With peak UV Index levels reaching 13 between noon and 1 PM, it’s essential to take precautions to minimize risks. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny climate while keeping yourself safe from harmful effects.
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in sun exposure as the day progresses. Starting at 7:00 AM with a mild value of 1, the index climbs steadily to reach 4 by 9:00 AM. However, it's around 11:00 AM that the UV radiation peaks at 10, escalating further to a maximum of 12 at noon. The sun’s intensity continues to be fierce, reaching a high of 13 by 1:00 PM before gradually tapering off. From 2:00 PM, the index starts its descent, hovering at 12 and then dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon transitions into evening, the UV levels diminish significantly, resting at 1 by 7:00 PM. For anyone spending time outdoors, taking precautions during the peak hours is crucial to ensure safety from harmful UV rays.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking from March through October, with September recording the highest value at 14 (extreme exposure) and only dropping to a very high level in November and December. The highest risk months for UV exposure are from March to October, where the UV Index consistently shows extreme levels (mostly at 12 or 13), requiring caution with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should take essential precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. In January and February, while still very high, the burn time increases to 15 minutes, allowing for slightly more exposure, yet it remains critical to remain vigilant.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nouadhibou UVI | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
Arafat | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Nouakchott UVI | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Kaedi UVI | 9 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
Nema UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
Rosso UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |