June 1, 2026 — V1cam video of whirlwind after episode 48 of lava fountaining at Kīlauea summit

Rain at Kīlauea summit following nine hours of lava fountaining during episode 48 on June 1, 2026, created steamy conditions within Halemaʻumaʻu, the crater floor of which was 40% covered with new lava flows during the episode. In the V1cam, a prominent whirlwind (puahiohio in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, or the Hawaiian language) was visible forming at 4:47 p.m. HST and quickly dissipated. These features are commonly observed during and directly after eruptive events and form in part because of hot air rising from the ground surface. USGS video.