INAMHI Issues 'Extreme' UV Radiation Alert for Cuenca Today — 10 AM to 3 PM Is the Danger Window

What's Happening

Ecuador's weather service INAMHI (el Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología) has issued a notice that today — Friday, April 10, 2026 — UV radiation across the country will range from "very high" to "extremely high," with Azuay province specifically registering levels classified as "extremely high" (source).

"Extremely high" is the top category on the UV index. It's not a routine warning.

The Danger Window

INAMHI specifically calls out 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM as the peak exposure window. If you can shift outdoor errands to before 10 or after 3, do it.

Why Cuenca Is Especially Vulnerable

Cuenca sits at 2,550 meters of elevation and is near the equator. That combination is roughly the worst possible case for UV exposure — thinner atmosphere filters less radiation, and the sun hits at a steeper angle year-round. "Very high" is a normal day here. "Extremely high" means unprotected skin can start burning in minutes, not an hour.

What INAMHI Recommends

Straight from the alert:

• Umbrellas (sombrillas) — sun umbrellas, not rain umbrellas
• Long sleeves
• Hats or caps
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen
• Drink lots of water

What This Means for You

• Move your exercise to morning or late afternoon. A 4 PM walk on El Barranco is far safer than a 1 PM one.
• Reapply sunscreen. At this altitude, one morning application isn't enough for a full day outdoors.
• Watch the kids and pets. UV exposure compounds faster on thinner skin and on dark-coated dogs who can overheat in direct sun.
• Cloud cover doesn't save you. UV penetrates clouds at elevation — don't assume an overcast morning means safe exposure.

If you've been meaning to buy real sun protection — a wide-brim hat, long-sleeve UPF shirts, a tube of SPF 50 — today is the day.

Source: El Mercurio, INAMHI