Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Murehwa, Zimbabwe, where the sun shines brightly and the potential for harmful UV exposure is high. With peak UV levels reaching as much as 10 around midday, awareness of these indices is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health in this Cwa climate. During certain hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Murehwa’s UV levels can pose significant risks, making it vital for locals to stay informed and protect themselves from overexposure. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or simply going about your day, knowing the UV index empowers you to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin.
Throughout the day, the UV Index exhibits a distinct peak just before noon. Starting off at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it rises steadily, reaching 2 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it jumps to 5, and then it surges to an impressive 10 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a high level of sun exposure risk. As the afternoon unfolds, the readings dip to 9 at 1:00 PM and subsequently decline further to 6 at 2:00 PM. By 3:00 PM, it drops to 3, and the day winds down with values of 1 at 4:00 and 5:00 PM, before fading to 0 by 6:00 PM and beyond. For optimal sun safety, keep to the shade as the sun peaks!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 experiences significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels dominating from January through April and again in August, October, and November. The months of January to April show a concerning consistency, with an index peaking at 17 in January. Following these extreme months, the UV Index decreases slightly in May and June, categorized as very high, before rising again in August. Notably, July maintains a very high level of UV exposure. Residents and visitors should be especially cautious during the high-risk months of January through April and August through November, where burn times are remarkably short, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes. It is highly advisable to utilize appropriate sun protection methods, including sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV radiation hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulawayo UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Mutare UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Gweru UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Chitungwiza UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Harare UVI | 18 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 |
| Murehwa | 17 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |