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 13:36 UTC on March 26, 2026. The advisory was issued by the Washington VAAC at 13:48 UTC.

According to the advisory, a detached ash plume at flight level FL220—equivalent to 6 700 m (22 000 feet) above sea level—was drifting generally north-northwest. Remnant ash at FL250, which converts to 7 600 m (25 000 feet), was moving northeast and dispersing. Satellite imagery from GOES-19 and other data sources confirmed no new ash emissions were currently observed. Ash was expected to continue dispersing to the northwest for at least six hours. No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory.

According to the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for the week ending March 18, 2026, Popocatépetl exhibited continued eruptive activity with steam-and-gas emissions containing ash during March 11–12, and ash plumes observed rising up to 6 700 m (22 000 feet) above sea level, drifting northwest and northeast. The public was advised to remain at least 12 km (7.5 miles) from the crater.

Popocatépetl is an active stratovolcano located approximately 70 km (43 miles) southeast of Mexico City. It poses significant hazards including ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lahars. Several towns and the large urban population of Mexico City and Puebla are within potential impact zones.