Hawaiian Volcano Update: Awaiting Kīlauea’s Ep.52 - July 23, 2026

Episode 52 of Kīlauea’s ongoing summit eruption is expected as soon as this weekend, between July 25 and July 29 according to today’s update from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The National Weather Service forecast discussion says “moderate to breezy trades will continue into the weekend before weakening slowly next week,” meaning the burst of volcanic emissions and tephra at the start of the next episode should have limited impact on nearby communities, depending on the contribution of upper level winds. However, trades can carry the vog and finer particles such as Pele’s hair substantial distances across the south side of the island, wrapping around to the Kona coast. Both during and between episodes, vog and tephra remain the most common hazards for island residents, and the usual precautions and preparations apply, especially for those with respiratory sensitivities – more information at https://vog.ivhhn.org/. 

Night-time glow has been visible from both vents this past week, with the south vent stronger, more persistent, and occasionally flaming. As magma continues to rise into the volcano, ground monitors have shown increasing tilt most of the week with the exception of a temporary slowdown on Tuesday that was recovered over the past two days. Summit earthquakes have been relatively sparse recently, with normal activity exhibited elsewhere around Hawaiʻi Island. 

Maunaloa continues to recharge with magma, as confirmed by newly released yearly survey data that shows uplift and spreading away from the summit caldera. However, earthquake rates and other monitoring signals remain at typical levels for this stage in the process, and the volcano remains at alert level “normal.” As usual, we summarize the monitoring signals, imagery, and reports available courtesy of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory as well as our broader community, annotating the presentation on-screen as we go and discussing live viewer questions.