DALLAS — North Texas' weird streak of weather-related phenomena continues -- and, this time, it has to do with smoke.
On Thursday afternoon, a question began bubbling up online, with viewers tweeting our weather team and asking: "Why is it so hazy today?"
These reports of smoke and haze, and an accompanying smoky smell, came from all over the Metroplex -- Sachse, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Far North Dallas and Prosper.
Even a live look from our cameras at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport around 4 p.m. showed a blanket of haze. So did tower cameras located in Denton and Dallas Love Field.
After getting the repeated questions about the smoke, WFAA checked with several fire departments about whether they were any working fires in the area. None of the departments were, and the National Weather Service said there are no ongoing fires in the immediate area.
So... what gives?
Well, according to our meteorologists, Wednesday's intense winds from the storm system that moved into the Midwest helped spread wildfires across the Texas panhandle, parts of Oklahoma and Kansas.
And a northerly wind is now bringing some of that smoke into our area.
As of the 4 p.m. hour, the U.S. Air Quality Index placed the air quality in our region as just under the "moderate" category. Those who are "unusually sensitive" to air pollution were cautioned to consider reducing their activity levels or shorten the amount of time they spend outdoors.
The air quality for tomorrow was forecasted to be back in the "good" range.
So, there you go! You aren't seeing things, and your nose was correct -- there is a smoky smell in the air.