Weak ash emissions at Etna volcano reach 4 600 m (15 000 feet) a.s.l., Italy

Volcanic ash from Etna in Italy was observed at 4 600 m (15 000 feet) above sea level, at 02:00 UTC on December 28, 2025. The advisory was issued by Toulouse VAAC at 02:00 UTC.

According to the VAAC advisory, a weak ash emission was associated with an eruption detected at 14:30 UTC on December 27, 2025. The ash cloud was confined to the summit area and observed between the surface and 4 600 m (15 000 feet). The ash was moving west at approximately 28 km/h (17 mph). The ash cloud was confirmed by INGV webcams and satellite imagery. The current Aviation Color Code is Red. The remarks stated that the low intensity of the eruption resulted in no significant area of ash contamination, and quantitative ash forecasts were not provided.

The Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report does not mention Etna for the most recent reporting period, so no recent additional activity details are available in the latest summary.

Etna is a large stratovolcano located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with frequent lava flows and explosive eruptions. Primary hazards include ashfall, pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and volcanic gas emissions. The city of Catania, with a population of over 300 000, is situated about 30 km (19 miles) south of the summit and is potentially at risk from significant eruptive activity.