State health officials warned Big Island communities north and east of the Kilauea summit today that a predicted change in wind patterns may bring heavy volcano haze this weekend.

The alert from the state Department of Health and the Hawaii County Civil Defense said a shift from tradewinds to southwesterly kona winds may bring smoke from the active volcano to Volcano, Puna, Hilo, Hamakua and South Kohala.

The vog may spread to other islands, according to state officials.

During vog conditions, people are advised to reduce outdoor activities that cause heavy breathing, stay indoors and drink fluids to avoid dehydration.