Volcanic ash from Popocatépetl volcano observed at 6 700 m (22 000 feet) a.s.l., Mexico

Volcanic ash from Popocatépetl in Mexico was observed at 6 700 m (22 000 feet) above sea level at 09:46 UTC on October 29, 2025. The advisory was issued by the Washington VAAC at 09:54 UTC on the same day.

According to the advisory, continuous volcanic ash emissions remained aloft, with the ash cloud moving south at approximately 9 km/h (5 mph). The observed ash layer extended from the surface up to flight level 220, which is about 6 700 m (22 000 feet). Ash movement was forecast to continue toward the south to south-southwest for up to 12 hours after the observation, with dispersion expected after this period. No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory.

The most recent Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for Popocatépetl is not present in the provided summaries, so no additional details about recent eruptive behavior are available from the GVP feed for this week.

Popocatépetl is a stratovolcano located approximately 70 km (43 miles) southeast of Mexico City. Known hazards include ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lahars, which can pose risks to nearby cities such as Puebla, Amecameca, and surrounds. Persistent monitoring is crucial due to the volcano’s proximity to major population centers and historical activity patterns.