Popocatépetl volcano stays on yellow alert as low‑intensity gas plumes rise

The Popocatépetl volcano released a series of low‑intensity exhalations of water vapor and volcanic gases over the past 24 hours. One report noted 13 plumes, while another recorded 25, accompanied by a minor vulcanotectonic earthquake of magnitude 1.5 and a brief tremor lasting eleven minutes.

The volcano’s alert level remains at Yellow Phase 2, signalling the possibility of minor to moderate explosions, light ash fall, occasional lahars from accumulated ash on the slopes, and short‑range pyroclastic flows that are unlikely to reach populated areas. Winds are expected to disperse emissions toward the west or west‑northwest. Monitoring is conducted jointly by Mexico’s civil‑protection agencies (Cenapred, CNPC) and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), with daily updates issued each morning.

Authorities advise the public to stay informed through official channels and to avoid the 12‑kilometre exclusion zone around the summit, as conditions may change with upcoming rainfall.