Latest information received from the Icelandic Meteorological Office indicates that the volcano is continuing to erupt, with the ash plume reaching heights of up to around 18,000 ft. However, the ash cloud is not expected to affect UK airspace as south westerly winds persist through the rest of the week. While the volcanic activity continues, the Met Office will provide frequently updated information to CAA about the dispersion of the volcanic ash.

While the volcanic activity continues, the Met Office will provide frequently updated information to CAA about the dispersion of the volcanic ash.

The Met Office provides forecasts to the industry to any tolerance of ash that is deemed safe by the aviation regulatory authorities. This advice is based on a combination of observations from satellite, research aircraft and ground based observations along with model simulations and scientific expertise.

Operational decisions on airspace restrictions are the responsibility of CAA and further information on the impacts of the volcanic ash should be sought from them. However, no decision on airspace restrictions will be made more than 24 hours in advance.

As one of only two World Area Forecast Centres, the Met Office regularly advises the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and National Air Traffic Services.

Met Office forecasters monitor volcanic eruptions as part of the Met Office's role in the global network of nine Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC). Volcanic ash can be dangerous for aircraft, causing damage, reducing visibility, and potentially clogging engines.

The Met Office's Environment Monitoring and Response Centre is constantly monitoring the Iceland area. Our first advisory was issued at 1400 on 14 April and they have subsequently been updated every six hours.

Iceland volcano — April 2010

UK Civil Aviation Authority

National Air Traffic Services

Icelandic Met Office: Update on activity