Officials with the Mississippi Forestry Commission say hazy conditions Thursday morning were caused by all the excess smoke from wildfires in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Forestry officials fielded several calls from concerned citizens. Those who suffer from allergies and other sinus problems were especially aware of the change in the atmosphere.

But Dr. Kary Whitehead says the smoke shouldn't have any lasting effects.

"Patients who have asthma, have chronic lung disease, and other chronic health problems that impairs their breathing, you know, as long as they're fairly well controlled and they're doing well, they're taking their medications they're using their medicines like they should, they should be okay," Whitehead said.

Forestry officials say the smoke will likely linger as the humidity increases and could stick around until there's a significant shift in weather patterns.

"Please remember that basically we're sitting on a tinder box," said forester Greg Chatham. "I mean, we are so dry, I think we're anywhere from 13 to 15 inches below normal on our rain fall, when they see these fires from Georgia and Florida, they think that it's just a problem in other states. It can happen here. It can happen right here."

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