Volcanic ash from Sundhnúkur crater expected to drift out to sea today

Volcanic ash from the Sundhnúkur crater is expected to drift out to sea today. Over the past 24 hours, volcanic ash has been visible across much of Iceland, although the measured levels are relatively low, posing no health risks, according to Jóhanna Malenar Skúladóttir, a natural hazard expert with the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The ash plume was prominent in the southwestern region yesterday but has diminished as the morning progressed.

Reports indicated that the ash was also visible in the Mývatn region last night. Jóhanna noted that it was detected across nearly the entire country yesterday and is likely to be visible again today. However, it is expected to drift toward the ocean, making it less prominent than it was yesterday.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office forecasts that the volcanic pollution will move out to sea today. According to the gas pollution forecast on the meteorological website, ash is expected over Grindavík today. It is likely to drift out to sea but could extend across southern parts of the country late tonight. Jóhanna suggested that the concentration would likely thin out considerably beforehand, and residents should not expect significant exposure.

Activity in the Sundhnúkur volcanic crater system during the night remained similar to previous days. Jóhanna indicated that the eruptive activity was still relatively strong but that the edge of the lava flow showed minimal movement.