Popocatépetl chained an active day, with dozens of exhalations, prolonged periods of tremor and a volcanotectonic event, according to the continuous monitoring of the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred) in coordination with UNAM. The plume of gases and steam moved to the west and northwest at different times, in line with the prevailing winds.
The Volcanic Alert Traffic Light remains in Yellow Phase 2, a scenario that contemplates minor to moderate explosions, light to moderate ash fall and expulsion of incandescent fragments within the exclusion radius of 12 kilometers. On consecutive days there have been recorded between 39 and 68 exhalations daily, plus 453 to 717 minutes of tremor low amplitude.
Current status of the volcano and recent figures
During August 25th were documented 68 exhalations accompanied by water vapor, volcanic gases and traces of ash, along with 453 minutes of tremor (346 high frequency and 107 harmonic). That same day a volcanotectonic earthquake at 08:45 pm with magnitude 1.5.
In the previous days there was also sustained activity: On August 24, it was reported 60 exhalations y 568 minutes of tremor (275 high frequency and 293 harmonic). On August 21, they were counted 47 exhalations, 670 minutes of tremor (395 high frequency and 275 harmonic) and a VT earthquake of magnitude 2.2 the 00: 16 hours.
It 22 August The State Coordination of Civil Protection of Morelos reported 39 exhalations y 657 minutes of tremor (472 high frequency and 185 harmonic). In another recent report were added 43 exhalations y 717 minutes of tremor, the traffic light remaining on Yellow Phase 2.
Visible emissions have shifted westward and northwestward., with a continuous plume of gases and steam and occasional light amounts of ash. The volcano retains a open duct regime, with sporadic events and low to medium amplitudes, without changes in the alert level.
Ashfall: areas under warning and trajectory
The capital authority and the CNPC They pointed out conditions for light ash fall in Mexico City, according to the displacement forecast issued on the morning of August 24. The VAAC-NOAA Washington reported broadcast with move to the northwest at 08:09 hours; in the early morning it was also observed incandescent material on surveillance cameras.
The municipalities of Mexico City with possible impact include:
- Alvaro Obregon
- Benito Juárez
- Coyoacan
- iztacalco
- Iztapalapa
- Magdalena contreras
- high milpa
- Tlalpan
- Tlahuac
- Xochimilco
States on watch due to ash and changes in activity: State of Mexico, Puebla, Mexico City and Morelos (in addition to Tlaxcala, depending on wind conditions). The official call is to follow verified channels and follow health and operational recommendations.
What does the Phase 2 Yellow Traffic Light entail?
Being in Yellow Phase 2 means increased activity with sporadic explosions, continuous plume of steam and gas, light to moderate ash fall in nearby towns, possibility of short-range pyroclastic flows y lahars due to rain and ash accumulation. This phase also includes launch of incandescent fragments within the exclusion radius.
The Volcanic Traffic Light color system It covers three levels and relates to the types of volcanoes: Verde (calm or light manifestations), yellow (increasing activity, with three phases from lowest to highest intensity) and Red (high danger, with phases ranging from intermediate to extreme explosive activity and high columns). Each level defines preventive measures specific.
Recommendations and official monitoring
Authorities insist on not approaching the volcano, especially to the crater, and to respect the 12 km exclusion radiusDuring heavy rains, you should stay away from the bottom of ravines due to risk of mud and debris flows.
Precautions against ash: close doors and windows, protect nose and mouth If you go outside, avoid outdoor activities, cover water tanks and do not leave food exposedIt is also recommended to protect drains to prevent ash from clogging the drainage system.
Cenapred and UNAM maintain 24/7 surveillance with seismographs, visual and thermal cameras, and gas measurement such as SO2. These tools allow the detection of variations in the seismicity, temperature and emissions that help anticipate changes in the volcano's behavior.
Faced with persistent activity, climbing Popocatépetl or the volcano is not recommended. Iztaccihuatl and mountaineering in the area. University experts also warn about unauthorized offers of tours or ascents, an unnecessary risk for both visitors and rescue teams.
To report emergencies or get information, it is suggested to consult www.gob.mx/cenapred and CNPC in X (@CNPC_MX), as well as using the lines 800-713-4147 y 911Avoiding rumors and unverified chains is key to a safe answer.
Context of recent activity and background
In 2025 the volcano maintains low to medium amplitude behavior, typical of a open duct, with frequent exhalations and sporadic explosions and is considered among the most active volcanoes in the worldThe traffic light has remained on Yellow Phase 2 with daily reports published by Cenapred.
Among the notable antecedents figure the explosion of the December 25th 2005, when an ash column reached about 3 km and lava was expelled. In 2011-2012 constant emissions with rock fragments were recorded and, in 2013, 3 km columns of incandescent material that fell about 700 meters from the crater.
Last week's photograph depicts an active but stable volcano.: continuous emissions of steam and gases, daily figures of exhalations and tremor in the range expected for Yellow Phase 2, punctual warnings of ash in urban areas and a solid monitoring device that supports the Preventive recommendations while following the evolution minute by minute.
