Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is showing signs of an impending eruption, with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory predicting the start of Episode 33 lava fountaining “most likely today or tomorrow at the latest.” The volcano, known as one of the world's most active, has been erupting periodically since December 23, 2024.
Precursory Activity at Kilauea's Summit
Cyclic gas piston events with significant overflows have been observed at the north vent throughout the night, signaling the precursory phase of Episode 33. The Uēkahuna tiltmeter (UWD) has recorded approximately 22.5 microradians of inflationary tilt since Episode 32 ended. While inflation has leveled off this morning, the magma column has been rising and falling in the vent in cycles, a typical precursor to lava fountaining episodes.
Dramatic Displays and Gas Emissions
Dome fountains reaching heights of 10-20 feet have accompanied the filling and overflowing of the vent. Drainback was marked by energetic bursts of gas, sending spatter 15-30 feet high and landing outside the cone. These gas piston cycles occur approximately every ten minutes, producing small episodic lava flows covering the western crater floor. Vigorous gas pistoning continues this morning, and elevated degassing is ongoing from the vent.
Air Quality Concerns
Average sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates during inter-episode pauses typically range from 1,200 to 1,500 t/d, although emission rates fluctuate on short timescales in association with gas pistoning. Strands of volcanic glass known as Pele’s hair are present throughout the summit area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and surrounding communities and can be remobilized by wind even after lava fountaining has ceased, posing a potential irritant.
USGS Alert Level
The USGS Volcano Alert Level for Kīlauea remains at WATCH. Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed and heed official advisories.
Kilauea has erupted dozens of times since 1952, with nearly continuous eruptive activity from 1983 to 2018 along the volcano's East Rift Zone.