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 09:41 UTC on April 6, 2026. The advisory was issued by the Washington VAAC at 09:54 UTC.

The ash cloud altitude is estimated at 6 700 m (22 000 feet) a.s.l. No ash emissions were visible in satellite imagery, possibly due to meteorological cloud cover. Ash movement was expected to shift towards the southeast within the forecast period. No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory.

Popocatépetl is not listed in the latest reporting period of the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report covering March 19–25, 2026. There is no summary of recent eruptive activity in the GVP report for this week.

Popocatépetl is a large andesitic stratovolcano located approximately 70 km (43 miles) southeast of Mexico City. It poses significant hazards, including ashfall and pyroclastic flows, to nearby cities such as Puebla and Mexico City, which together are home to tens of millions of people. The main threats include volcanic ash affecting air quality, aviation, and potential lahars (volcanic mudflows).