Sydneysiders woke up to a red haze across the city on Wednesday after a dust storm swept across New South Wales due to hot and dry conditions.
The east coast was struck by a heatwave on Tuesday with the mercury hitting 38C in Sydney.
There were winds of up to 90km/h which caused dust storms in western NSW where the ground is dry after a period of drought.
The dust then blew eastwards, engulfing Canberra on Tuesday evening and reaching Sydney overnight.
Dust bomb: Sydneysiders woke up to a red haze across the city on Wednesday after a dust storm swept across New South Wales due to hot and dry conditions
The east coast was struck by a heatwave on Tuesday with the mercury hitting 38C in Sydney. Pictured: Dust on Wednesday after the heatwave
The dust (pictured over Sydney on Wednesday) blew eastwards, engulfing Canberra on Tuesday evening and reaching Sydney overnight
There were winds of up to 90km/h on Tuesday which caused dust storms in western NSW where the ground is dry after a period of drought. Pictured: Dust over Sydney on Wednesday
Explaining the phenomenon, Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Rebecca Farr told Daily Mail Australia: 'Strong and gusty winds lifted large areas of dust and it was transported by wind to the east.
'The dust is mostly aloft which means it is held in higher air.
'Because it is aloft and quite dispersed it means there is only a slight haze which will gradually clear as the day goes on.'
Sydney is much cooler today with a maximum temperature of 26C.
But fire warnings remain in place in the far north of the state where temperatures will reach 40C. Officers are fighting 43 fires across the north and west of the state.
The heatwave is continuing on the east coast of Queensland with the mercury hitting 36C in Brisbane.
The dust blew eastwards, engulfing Canberra (pictured) on Tuesday evening and reaching Sydney overnight
A dust storm blankets Old Parliament House and Mt Ainslie on February 12, 2019 in Canberra
The fire warnings remain in place in the far north of the state where temperatures will reach 40C. Pictured: Canberra in the dust
Avoid outdoor activity. If you must go outside, spend as little time outside as possible.
Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth to reduce exposure to dust particles.
Avoid vigorous exercise, especially if you have asthma, diabetes or a breathing-related condition. S
tay indoors, with windows and doors closed.
Stay in air-conditioned premises, if possible.
Source: NSW Health
Perth
