Vog expected to clear soon

LIHUE — Volcanic smog that settled over Kauai in the past few days created some gorgeous, picturesque sunsets, but also made breathing difficult for some people.

The vog should be dispersed soon. According to the National Weather Service, tradewinds will return and the vog will be on its way out.

“By Sunday, we’ll have nice crisp views of the mountains without any haze surrounding them,” said Jon Jelsema, meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

Volcanic smog, or vog, comes from Big Island’s Kilauea Volcano, which releases several gases, mainly sulfur dioxide, Jelsema said.

Persistent southeast winds coming from the Big Island have been blowing through the smaller islands and headed northwest, Jelsema said.

One resident said she hasn’t been feeling well because of vog. Another said she tries to stay indoors when vog rolls in.

Tradewinds take about a day or two to clear out the vog, he said.

Rain can also help.

“(There’s) not a whole bunch of rain right now,” Jelsema said. “We should see some trade showers on Friday night and Saturday night that will rain out some of the vog.”

When the vog clears, it will shift south of the island.