The danger traffic light for the Volcano of Fire in Colima remains on alert for passive degassing due to the possibility of ash falling in the surroundings of the colossus. The administration of the National Meteorological Service (SMN) keeps the volcano under continuous surveillance to promptly warn of changes in activity.
Weather forecast for the volcano area
High partly cloudy skies, with visibility towards the volcano area, which would facilitate observation in the event of water vapor, gas and/or ash exhalation. The volcano is in the passive degassing stage.
More information in the weekly technical bulletin of the Colima volcano, from the University Center for Volcanological Studies of the University of Colima (UCOL-CUEV).
Virtual Atmospheric Sounding (based on GFS 12Z model) of Manzanillo Colima, 06:00 am local time, January 20, 2025:
At 5000 m: West wind of 34 km/h.
Between 5000 and 7000 m: West wind of 45 km/h.
Above 7000 m: West-northwest wind of 45 km/h.
SMN Analysis
There is a low high cloud cover over the volcano area, which would allow the detection of volcanic activity through satellite observation, (Image 2). The satellite estimate of rainfall does not show accumulated precipitation in the volcano area in the last three hours, this with a cutoff at 12:00 h today, local time (Image 3).
Ash trajectory
In the event of any exhalation of volcanic ash, gas and/or water vapor, the trajectory forecast of the Hysplit (Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) model, executed at CONAGUA-CGSMN with a possible emission height of 500 meters above the volcanic cone which is 3,839 meters AMSL “above mean sea level” (2,745 meters AGL “above ground level”), indicates trajectories to the east-northeast, some changing to the east and east-southeast (simulating exhalation every next hour, 6), as it passes through the northeast area of the state of Colima; south and center-southeast area of the state of Jalisco; west-northwest, center-northwest, north and northeast area of the state of Michoacán; southeast area of the state of Guanajuato; northwest and north-northwest of the State of Mexico and southern area of the state of Querétaro, for the first 12 hours of the forecast, (14:00 to 02:00 local time of the following day). Subsequently, for the last 12 hours of the forecast, (02:00 to 14:00 local time of the following day), the trajectories will continue over the north, northeast and east-northeast of the state of Michoacán; northwest, north, northeast, east, center, west, south and southeast of the State of Mexico; south and southeast of the state of Hidalgo; central area of the state of Veracruz; northeast, center and east of the state of Tlaxcala; over Mexico City; northeast, northwest, center-north, center, east-southeast, west-northwest and center-south of the state of Morelos and west-northwest, center-north, east-northeast, east, west, center and west-southwest of the state of Puebla. These trajectories predict the main direction of emissions from the plume of gas, water vapor and/or volcanic ash coming from the Fuego Volcano in Colima.
The Colima Volcano National Park, located on the border between Jalisco and Colima, is famous both as a federal Protected Natural Area and for its amazing Volcanic Complex, which includes the Fuego Volcano and the Nevado de Colima, covering a total of 6,554.75 hectares. This natural space was proclaimed a National Park on September 5, 1936, by President Lázaro Cárdenas and is characterized by its varied landscape that ranges from slopes with pine forests and oak forests to semitropical areas at its lowest levels, hosting a rich biodiversity that positions it as a precious natural museum of flora and fauna.
The protection regulations for the Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park emphasize its uniqueness, which is due to the diversity of ecosystems and species it houses, a richness derived from its volcanic origin, the diversity of its relief, the elevation of its peaks, its separation from other mountain ranges and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean; elements that together create a unique habitat.
Although the Colima Volcano is known for its high activity, it is Popocatépetl that is classified as the most dangerous for nearby communities due to its destructive potential. The Colima Volcano is classified as a stratovolcano, composed of alternating layers of hardened lava, with a geological structure formed by Jurassic rocks, Cretaceous limestone, as well as marine sedimentary rocks and granite formations, the latter from the Cretaceous to the Quaternary.
Thanks to its status as a protected area, the park offers the opportunity to carry out recreational activities such as observing the volcano from specific points, camping and hiking, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural surroundings and the beauty of the volcanic landscape.
Source: infobae
