Precursory low-level activity occurs before episode 55 of ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at Kīlauea

Precursory low-level eruptive activity before episode 55 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began around 12:45 p.m. HST on Sept. 7, 2026, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports. This activity was marked with a sluggish overflow from the north vent.

Accordingly, HVO is raising the Alert Level for Kīlauea from ADVISORY to WATCH and the Aviation Color Code from YELLOW to ORANGE. Alert level and aviation color code definitions: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/alert-level-system. This low-level precursory activity can continue for hours to days before the lava fountaining episode beings.

The HVO forecast for episode 55 of lava fountaining to start is between Sept. 7-10. Another Volcano Alert Notification will be published when lava fountaining episode 55 begins. Current winds are light from the south and have potential to send volcanic fumes, and possibly tephra during fountaining, northwards past the rim of Kaluapele.

All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Tephra fall from volcanic ash clouds is greatest within 3 miles of the vents, lighter ash and Pele’s Hair may stay suspended for large distances from the vents.

Timeline of eruptive episodes since Dec. 23, 2024: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/science/eruption-information 

Most lava fountaining episodes since December 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less.