Kilauea Volcano is showing signs that it may be on the verge of launching episode 30 of its ongoing Halemaumau summit eruption, according to an early-morning update today from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Short-lived overflows from the volcano’s north vent were observed shortly before 6 a.m., part of a gas-pistoning cycle that has marked the onset of most eruptive episodes since December. Lava first appeared in the vent at 5:14 a.m., drained back, and then briefly overflowed at 5:51 a.m. before retreating again by 5:59 a.m. Little spattering was reported.

The observatory said there was no clear indication of when sustained high fountaining would begin, but added that if summit inflation resumes, fountains could erupt later today or Tuesday.

Kilauea remains at an alert level of watc

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