Popocatépetl Volcano Remains Active, Prompting Continued Warnings
Popocatépetl, a highly active volcano in central Mexico, continues to exhibit ongoing eruptive activity, with reports of ash, gas, and vapor plumes extending up to 22,000 feet (6700 meters) as of February 20, 2026. The volcano has been active since 2005, experiencing near-daily seismic tremors and eruptions.
The Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED), Mexico’s national disaster prevention center, reported continuing explosive activity between February 18th and February 19th, 2026. The alert level remains at “Yellow Alert – Phase 2,” which is level 4 on a 7-level scale, indicating an elevated risk.
Recent volcanic ash advisories, issued on February 20, 2026, detail ongoing emissions. Earlier advisories, issued throughout February 2026, also reported similar activity, with plumes reaching heights of 20,000 feet (6100 meters) and 21,000 feet (6400 meters). These emissions consist of water vapor, volcanic gases, and ash.
Popocatépetl is located southeast of Mexico City, and approximately 30 million people live within a 70-kilometer (44-mile) radius of the volcano’s summit. CENAPRED continues to advise the public to stay at least 12 kilometers (8 miles) away from the crater.
The current period of activity, which began in 2005, has seen frequent eruptions and seismic activity. In October 2024, significant tremors were detected on October 20th, accompanied by a gas-and-ash plume that rose 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) above the crater. During the week of October 16-22, 2024, ashfall was reported in several communities near the volcano.
Volcanic ash poses several hazards, including respiratory problems, contamination of drinking water, and harm to livestock and crops. While particles high in the atmosphere are less of a concern for immediate air quality, they can travel long distances. In late October 2024, ash from Popocatépetl was observed as far away as Sarasota, Florida.
The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program continues to monitor Popocatépetl, providing weekly reports on its activity. The modern volcano was constructed south of the late-Pleistocene to Holocene El Fraile cone, and has experienced three major Plinian eruptions in its history.
