Video shows Popocatépetl volcano spewing ash, threatening air quality

By Chaffin Mitchell, AccuWeather staff writer

Published Nov. 9, 2019 2:02 PM

Popocatépetl, one of Mexico's most active volcanoes, could possibly cause a dusting of ash on the southern edge of Mexico City after increased activity.

"In the last 24 hours, through the monitoring systems of the Popocatepetl volcano, 64 long-period events were identified, accompanied by steam, gas and sometimes small amounts of ash the most important ones were presented [Saturday]," according to Mexico's Center for Prevention of Disasters (CENAPRED).

CENAPRED has put special emphasis on not approaching the volcano since the current calm is only apparent and at any time explosions can occur again.

"People SHOULD NOT go near the volcano, especially near the crater, due to the hazard caused by ballistic fragments and in case of heavy rains leave the bottoms of ravines because of the danger of landslides and debris flows," CENAPRED said.

In case of ashfall, CENAPRED reports you should cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or face mask, clean your eyes and throat with pure water, avoid contact lenses to reduce eye irritation, close windows or cover them up, and stay indoors as much as possible.

Webcams de México@webcamsdemexico

La actividad del #Volcán #Popocatépetl esta mañana.#TimeLapse 80 minutos en 10 segundos.

Vista desde @HolidayInnNoria #Puebla.#EnVivo: http://webcamsdemexico.com/webcam-puebla-panoramica-volcanes …

El Semáforo de Alerta Volcánica se encuentra en #AmarilloFase2.

723

11:20 AM - Nov 9, 2019

Twitter Ads info and privacy

282 people are talking about this

"As for air quality, it looks like the wind will generally be out of the east through tonight and early on Sunday, which would keep the ash away from Puebla and to the south of Mexico City," AccuWeather Meteorologist Adam Douty said.

RELATED:

How massive volcano eruptions can alter global temperaturesHow volcanic ash jeopardizes an airplane’s flightWhy volcanic ash can be so detrimental to your health

"By Sunday afternoon or evening, the wind may shift to the southeast. This may cause the ash plume to move closer to Mexico City, so we may see some reduction in air quality early in the week, assuming the eruption continues," Douty said.

Douty said this could impact air travel as well if ash ends up going across Mexico City.

"As for the weather, it looks like it will be dry tomorrow. On Monday, there is a small chance for afternoon thunderstorms. Rain chances get higher on Tuesday," Douty said.

The volcano, which is in central Mexico, remained dormant for decades until an eruption in 1994. Since then, its rumblings have become a part of daily life for residents.