Haze sparks a Reno-area health alert

The more than 800 wildfires burning throughout California are a headache for more than just crews battling the flames.

For the second day in a row, Reno-area health officials have deemed the air quality "very unhealthful" because of smoke billowing east.

In Las Vegas, air quality advisories have been lifted and replaced by what local meteorologists call "hazy conditions and milky-colored skies" from the smoke.

In addition to the poor air quality in Northern Nevada, visibility is in a range of about two miles of unrestricted vision.

Nearly 8,000 lightning strikes sparked the wildfires across Northern California over the weekend. The storm, which produced no precipitation, was unusual to the time of year but more so the intensity, said Phillip Wiker, Clark County air quality meteorologist.

Clark County officials issued precautionary air quality advisories early in the week, but Wiker said the largest plume of smoke blew out and the warning was lifted.

National Weather Service meteorologist Jerome Jacques said moderate conditions are forecast in Las Vegas for the weekend. But another cell of dry lightning could occur in Northern California Sunday, he said.

Reno-area health officials are urging people to remain inside with their windows closed and to avoid prolonged outdoor activity.

No Las Vegas hospitals have reported increases in smoke-related respiratory ailments.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.