Ash plume from Etna volcano observed at 4 900 m (16 000 feet) a.s.l., Italy

Volcanic ash from Etna in Italy was observed at 4 900 m (16 000 feet) above sea level at 10:05 UTC on December 26, 2025. The advisory was issued by the Toulouse VAAC at 10:17 UTC.

The ash cloud reached up to 4 900 m (16 000 feet) and was associated with Strombolian activity. Light ash fallout was reported in the northeast sector of Etna. The current Aviation Color Code is Orange. No forecast ash cloud is expected in the next 18 hours based on this advisory.

Etna is not mentioned in the latest Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for the week ending December 2, 2025, indicating no major activity was reported in that period. This event constitutes new information regarding ash emissions.

Mount Etna is a large stratovolcano located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with frequent explosive eruptions and lava flows. Hazards associated with Etna include ashfall, lava flows, and pyroclastic flows, posing risks to nearby communities such as Catania, which is situated approximately 29 km (18 miles) to the south of the volcano.