Light northeasterly winds are expected to return today and forecasters are hoping that the wind will be enough to blow away some of the volcanic haze that hung over the Islands yesterday.

A front northwest of Kauai caused the winds to shift to a southerly direction, which brought with them volcanic emissions from the Big Island. The normally clear blue skies turned yucky gray and at one point yesterday morning visibility at Honolulu International Airport was down to two miles, the National Weather Service said.

As the front nears Kauai, it should bring a little rain that could dissipate some of the vog, said Maureen Ballard, National Weather Service forecaster. That, and a return of light trade winds, should reduce the amount of haze beginning today, Ballard said.

"We'll see some reduction. It shouldn't be as bad as what we saw today," Ballard said yesterday.

She said the forecast is for trade winds to increase to 10 to 15 mph this weekend and that should clear up Hawaii's skies.

The state Department of Health monitors air quality and issues warnings when needed.

At 7 a.m. yesterday, sulfur dioxide levels led officials to issue a yellow, or moderate, warning for Pähala on the Big Island. Particulate dust levels led to a yellow alert for Kona, according to the Health Department.

A yellow warning means people who are unusually sensitive should consider reducing strenuous outdoor activities and exercise.