Smoke From California Wildfires Reaches RI Skies

Rhode Islanders are expected to again see a strange haze in the skies Wednesday. Smoke from the wildfires across the Pacific Coast have spread across the country, bringing what looks like overcast skies to Rhode island.

"Waking up this morning to what may look like overcast skies, but we have another smokey day on tap for southern New England," the National Weather Service said Wednesday morning. "The red glow of the sun really highlights the smoke in the upper atmosphere!"

A computer model shows smoke stretching from the West Coast across the upper two-thirds of the country, covering the entire Northeast region:

The smokey skies come on a day of increased fire potential in Rhode Island. The NWS issued a special weather statement for all of Rhode Island and much of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Low humidity, gusty winds and dry fuel will create conditions for fast-spreading fires should one start, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency said.

To help prevent brush fires, Rhode Islanders are encouraged to safely dispose of cigarette butts, make sure chains and other metal parts do not trail from vehicles and cause sparks, make sure tires are properly inflated to avoid driving on the rim and causing sparks, and avoid mowing the lawn when it is hot or windy.