After a day of continuous surveillance, the Popocatepetl maintains moderate activity with 50 exhalations and 71 minutes of tremor reported in the last few hours. The Volcanic Alert Traffic Light remains in Yellow Phase 2, which is why it is recommended not to approach the crater or its immediate slopes.
The dispersion forecast indicates displacement of ash towards the east, with possible impact in areas of Puebla such as Atlixco and Izúcar de Matamoros, and eventually in Morelos, State of Mexico and Mexico City, according to official monitoring.
Popocatépetl activity today and ash forecast
During the last few hours, emissions of water vapor, gases and small amounts of volcanic ash, in addition to low-intensity tremor associated with fluid movement in the duct. This behavior fits with the level of typical activity for the current phase.
The plume's trajectory depends on the wind; today, models point to a transport towards the eastern sectorIf emissions with a higher ash load occur, a slight fall in nearby locations and, occasionally, in areas of CDMX and surrounding entities.
Civil Protection reminds to maintain a 12-kilometer exclusion radius from the crater. Explosions can eject incandescent fragments and ballistic material, so it is advisable not to be overconfident and avoid promotion to the volcano.
In heavy rain, it is essential to stay away from ravines and channels due to the risk of mud and debris flows (lahars). A simple measure is to plan alternative routes and do not cross streams that come down loaded from the slopes.
The night before, surveillance cameras recorded unidentified lights near the crater. Its origin has not been determined and authorities are asking do not spread rumorsAny new information will be communicated through official channels.
Surveillance, alerts, and what the traffic light colors mean
The volcano is monitored with a network of seismographs, cameras and gas analysis coordinated by CENAPRED and UNAM. Volcanotectonic earthquakes and tremors help detect pressure changes in the magma and possible promotions.
Optical and thermal cameras allow observing emissions, temperatures and incandescent material in real time. In turn, spectrometers measure SO2 and other gases, whose variation may indicate an increase in activity.
The Volcanic Alert Traffic Light has three colors: Green (calm or minor manifestations), Yellow (intermediate activity with emissions, sporadic explosions and possible ash fall) and Red (eruptive phase with high risk scenarios). Today it remains in Yellow Phase 2.
To get informed without any surprises, consult www.gob.mx/cenapred And the account @CNPC_MXIn case of emergencies related to volcanic activity, the following telephone numbers are available: 800-713-4147 y 911Authorities and specialists recommend not hiring guided tour offering to climb the crater; in addition to being dangerous, it could be a scam.
With Popocatépetl in Yellow Phase 2, the watchword is clear: constant monitoring, prudence, and attention to official sources. Today, the predominant moderate exhalations, an eastward-oriented ash forecast, and well-known preventive measures that, when applied wisely, minimize risks to the population.