Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Lughaye, Somalia, where the sun can be relentless, particularly between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM when the UV levels peak at a striking 12. Awareness of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburn but is also vital for overall skin health, reducing the risk of long-term damage. With Lughaye's BWh climate characterized by high temperatures and sunny days, it’s important to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks. Taking precautions can make all the difference—protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful sunshine wisely!
The UV Index begins the day at a mild level of 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing as the sun rises. By 09:00, it reaches 5, hinting at a more intense solar influence. The real peak occurs between 11:00 and 12:00, where the index skyrockets to an impressive 11 and 12, indicating a strong risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline; by 15:00, it drops to 6, and then further decreases to 3 by 16:00. The sun begins to set, and the UV intensity plummets to 1 at 17:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when UV radiation is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest values occurring in the spring and summer months. From January to April, the UV Index remains at an extreme level (11-14) with a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes, making this period particularly dangerous for skin exposure. May sees a slight decrease to 13, while June drops to 10 (very high) and allows for a bit longer exposure of 15 minutes. The UV Index bounces back in July and August, reaching 12-13 (extreme) again, before tapering off in September and October to 11 (extreme) and 10 (very high), respectively. The high-risk months to watch out for are April through August, when extreme levels persist for the shortest burn times. Visitors and residents should take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing, particularly during these months to mitigate the risk of skin damage from UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lughaye | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Berbera UVI | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 |
| Marka UVI | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| Mogadishu UVI | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| Kismayo UVI | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Hargeysa UVI | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 11 |