Most of the smoke over Sydney right now is coming from ongoing bushfires in Victoria and in the south of New South Wales, with southerly winds pushing that smoke up the coast into the city.

What’s causing the smoke?

  • Large bushfires have been burning in Victoria and southern NSW during the current heatwave, with very high temperatures and dry conditions feeding the fires.
  • Weather systems over southeastern Australia have driven a southerly change up the coast, effectively channeling the smoke plume towards Sydney and surrounding regions.
  • Authorities and meteorologists have said the haze and burning smell in Sydney are “most likely” from these southern fires rather than a new local blaze in the metro area.

How long will it hang around?

  • Forecasts suggest smoke can linger for days at a time depending on wind strength, direction, and whether fire activity intensifies again mid‑week as pressure systems shift.
  • When winds ease or change direction, the smoke layer usually thins out, but further flare‑ups and changing winds can bring another round of haze back over the city.

Health and safety quick tips

  • Health agencies recommend staying indoors when air quality is rated poor or very poor, especially if you have asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory issues.
  • Keep windows and doors closed, set air‑conditioning to recirculate, and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter if you have one.
  • If you develop trouble breathing, chest tightness, or severe coughing, you should seek medical help promptly or call emergency services.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.