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COURTESY USGS

View of the Halemaumau crater within Kaluapele from the south rim of the crater.

Episode 40 of the ongoing Kilauea eruption could begin at any time, according to scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey.

Today they reported that lava overflowed intermittently from the north and south vents overnight with only short breaks between flows. Dome fountaining and spattering increased this morning along with tremor, suggesting that episode 40 is close.

At 5:12 a.m., USGS officials reported overflows began again from the south vent fed by 10-foot dome fountains while north vent flows diminished but spattering continued. At around 7:30 a.m., fountains roughly doubled in size to 20 feet.

Kilauea has been erupting episodically since Dec. 23, 2024. Eruptive episodes, which generally last for less than 12 hours, are separated by pauses that can be as long as over two weeks.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is closely monitoring Kilauea. Click here to see updates.