United States - January 12, 2026 Lava streams flowed from several vents within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater overnight Monday, marking another burst of activity at Kilauea as scientists watch for the next eruption. The United States Geological Survey reported that intermittent lava flows and dome fountaining persisted through the weekend, indicating continued unrest at the volcano. According to the USGS, dome fountains are small lava bubbles that often appear before much larger lava fountains. These larger events can eject lava hundreds of feet into the air. Kilauea has been erupting in episodes since Dec. 23, 2024. The agency said each episode has lasted less than 12 hours, with quiet periods between eruptions sometimes extending beyond two weeks. Based on volcanic activity observed over the weekend, the USGS expects the 40th eruptive episode to begin sometime between now and Saturday. In a Sunday update, the agency noted that prolonged precursor activity makes another eruption later in the week more likely. The eruptions are taking place within a section of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island that has been closed since late 2007. The USGS also cautioned that eruptions can release volcanic gas made up of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, which may pose hazards to areas immediately downwind. Kilauea’s last eruptive episode occurred on Dec. 24, 2025.