Steam emissions and weather caused Whakaari/White Island plume
Saturday 10 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story GeoNet, National Geohazards Monitoring Centre
Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from Whakaari/White Island on Saturday morning. GeoNet says the plume was caused by weather conditions and low to moderate steam emissions rather than an eruption. No ash has been detected at the volcanic island for two months.
Key facts
5 facts
- Whakaari/White Island is at alert level 2
- No ash has been emitted from the island for two months
- No eruptive activity has been observed since March
- The volcano is 50km northeast of Whakatāne
- A 2019 eruption resulted in 22 deaths
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from Whakaari/White Island on Saturday morning. Residents on the North Island's east coast observed the activity. A huge plume was seen around 8.30am, though it later decreased in size while remaining significant.
GeoNet has confirmed that the plume is not an eruption. Volcano duty officer Agnes Mazot stated the plume is due to low to moderate steam emissions from the active vent and current weather conditions. Factors such as windspeed, air temperature, dew point, and atmospheric humidity affect how the steam and gas appear.
There has been no evidence of ash emissions at the island for the past two months. No eruptive activity has been observed since March. GeoNet monitors the volcano using satellite imagery, remote cameras, and periodic observation and gas flights, as there are no sensors on the island.
The volcano is currently at alert level 2, indicating moderate to heightened volcanic unrest. The island is located 50km northeast of Whakatāne.
Compiled from reports by Stuff and NZ Herald.
