Explosive activity observed at Fuego volcano, Guatemala
A visually impressive Strombolian eruption occurred at Fuego volcano in Guatemala on November 16, 2025, producing rhythmic explosions, incandescent ejections, and an ash plume rising to about 4 300 m (14 000 feet) above sea level.
A visually impressive Strombolian eruption occurred at Guatemala’s Fuego volcano on November 16, producing rhythmic explosions, incandescent lava ejections, and an ash plume rising to about 4 300 m (14 100 feet) above sea level.
The Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) reported continuous ash emissions drifting toward the west-southwest, while the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) confirmed strong detonations and glowing emissions visible from nearby communities, including Alotenango and Patsízia.
According to GOES-19 satellite data, ash clouds were observed extending approximately 18.5 km (11.5 miles) from the summit. Night-time webcams recorded frequent bursts of incandescent material, forming short-lived fountains typical of Strombolian activity.
Continuous gas-and-ash emissions were detected by the regional seismic and infrasound network on November 17. The VAAC issued successive advisories confirming steady activity and dispersal of ash plumes within about 20 km (12 miles) of the summit.
During the night of November 18 local time, INSIVUMEH reported another strong eruption. Residents heard loud explosions, and incandescent material descended toward vegetated zones on the upper slopes. Observers captured lightning discharges within the eruptive column – a phenomenon occasionally produced when ash particles collide and generate static charge during dense explosive activity.
The observed plume at 13:27 UTC on November 19 extended about 18.5 km (10 nautical miles) southwest of the summit, maintaining an altitude near 4 300 m (14 100 feet) a.s.l. Forecast models predicted continued west-southwesterly transport during the next 18 hours.
The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program notes that Fuego has remained in an open-vent state since its major 2018 eruption, which caused significant loss of life and damage in southern Guatemala. Since 2024, INSIVUMEH has recorded frequent low-to-moderate eruptive phases characterized by short lava flows and ash plumes reaching up to 1 000 m (3 300 feet) above the summit.
Volcanic ash emissions pose hazards to air traffic, infrastructure and public health. Authorities have warned that fine ash particles can cause respiratory irritation and contaminate water sources when mixed with rain. Residents in affected areas have been advised to use masks and avoid outdoor exposure during periods of heavy ashfall.
Featured image: Eruption at Fuego volcano, Guatemala on November 16, 2025. Credit: afarTV
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.