It is a concern if eruption starts in bad weather

"I think we have to start preparing for another eruption," says Benedikt Ófeigsson, head of deformation measurements at the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

Inflation and magma accumulation under Svartsengi continue, and the amount of magma that has accumulated underground is now approaching the amount that emerged in the last eruption.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office has raised the danger level in areas 4 and 6 at Svartsengi.

In an interview with mbl.is, Ófeigsson says it is difficult to determine whether an eruption will begin in the coming days or weeks, but that nothing can be ruled out.

"Considerable uncertainty"

"There is considerable uncertainty about when this is starting to reach its peak, but we have reached a point now where we have to get ready."

The chances of a new magma flow and even an eruption are now increasing, but according to Ófeigsson, the signs are getting weaker with each eruption. If this trend continues, the next eruption may give little warning.

"If it continues, it could be difficult to see when the warnings go into effect. We have usually seen it with half an hour to three hours' notice before an eruption occurs. But like the last time, it was very weak seismic activity and little deformation."

Hard to see in bad weather

It doesn't get any better if the weather conditions are bad, as is predicted for this weekend.

"What we are perhaps most worried about is if this starts in very bad weather. Then it will be very difficult to see it because the sensitivity of our system decreases," Ófeigsson says, adding that there is not necessarily a chance that an eruption will start immediately, although nothing can be ruled out.

"Experience has shown us that it can erupt at any time. Sometimes it happens quickly and sometimes it drags on. So there is nothing to do but be ready and expect it at any time."