Jacksonville, FL – High-altitude winds have carried volcanic ash from Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano, sending the particles into Florida’s skies. NOAA’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers reported the ash cloud visible over Sarasota on Saturday, following days of heightened volcanic activity.
According to NOAA, ash plumes from Popocatepetl have been dispersing northeast across the Gulf of Mexico, with the latest plume reaching up to 30,000 feet. The ash, which erupted from Popocatepetl earlier this week, traveled over 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the volcano’s summit near Mexico City.
Popocatepetl has been in an active eruptive phase since 2005. Over the past week, it recorded hundreds of minutes of seismic tremors and numerous ash exhalations, creating dense clouds visible from satellite imagery. Florida residents may notice vivid sunsets while the ash remains in the atmosphere. NOAA advises monitoring air quality, though the ash is expected to disperse soon due to prevailing winds.
