OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Parts of Florida are experiencing an unusual phenomenon. Ash from Mexico’s Popocatépetl volcano, which has been actively erupting and impacting towns and flights in that area, was detected in Florida skies on Saturday.
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville reported that pilots near Sarasota observed volcanic ash in the air, with satellite imagery confirming its presence over parts of Florida.
Popocatépetl (Popo), a 17,797-foot volcano located near Mexico City, has produced hundreds of explosive eruptions, sending ash and lava from its peak. Volcanologists say eruptions will likely continue, though a major event isn’t imminent. The ash poses hazards for flights, as its fine particles can damage jet engines, forcing changes in flight paths across affected regions.
Here in the 352, we’re looking at a week of sunshine and temperatures in the low to mid-80s during the day, and the mid-60s at night with beautiful sunsets possible, thanks to Popo’s ash.
Ocala Forecast
Here’s your day-by-day outlook from the National Weather Service.
Monday: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 84. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. East wind 6 to 8 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 85. East wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
Halloween: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Halloween Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Get your 352 weather info here anytime you need it or download our free app. Be sure to enable the weather alert to receive notifications to your cellphone.