Sydney’s smoke crisis in pictures: Incredible photos reveal how the city disappeared under a thick layer of ‘hazardous’ smog
- Incredible images show the blanket of ‘unbreathable’ smoke shrouding Sydney throughout Tuesday
- Air quality in the city was among the worst ever recorded, 11 times poorer than typical hazardous levels
- There were 83 fires burning across NSW at 5pm on Tuesday with 40 of them declared uncontrolled
- Total fire bans are in place for northwestern NSW, the northern slopes and the central ranges
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Incredible images show the blanket of ‘unbreathable’ smoke shrouding Sydney on Tuesday as temperatures soared past 40C.
Authorities said Tuesday’s air quality in the city was among the worst ever recorded, with smoke so thick it was 11 times poorer than typical hazardous levels.
There were 83 fires burning across NSW at 5pm on Tuesday with 40 of them declared uncontrolled and 12 at watch and act level.
Authorities have warned that heatwave conditions, combined with ‘grotty’ smoke pollution, could affect vulnerable people in the coming days – but air quality was expected to be ‘fair’ on Wednesday.
The haze may cause breathing issues for those with heart or lung disease, while Sydneysiders have been encouraged to stay indoors and avoid exercise.
Numerous CBD offices – including Sydney’s law courts – were evacuated due to smoke on Tuesday while ferries were shut down.
Total fire bans are in place for northwestern NSW, the northern slopes and the central ranges.
Incredible images show the blanket of ‘unbreathable’ smoke shrouding Sydney on Tuesday. In this photo, the Harbour Bridge would usually be visible in the background
Newlyweds had what should have been picturesque wedding photos in front of Sydney Harbour, but they were spoiled by thick fog
Temperatures soared past 40C in Sydney on Tuesday – but the thick smoke meant Bondi Beach (pictured) was largely empty
A think blanket of smoke covered the city on Tuesday but, that didn’t stop a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Some social media users described Tuesday’s weather conditions as ‘apocalyptic’. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is barely visible behind the smoke
The harbour was quiet as boats and cruise ships normally seen on the water stopped work for the day due to the conditions
The heavy smoke had actually held back the force of the state’s 85 bushfires, according to the NSW RFS. This picture was taken at Mona Vale in the city’s north
People were warned to stay inside, but some couldn’t help but visit spots such as Hyde Park (pictured)
Not letting anything spoil their big day: The wedding party on the foreshore of the Sydney Harbour were all smiles, despite the conditions
The smoke made it nearly impossible to see the three International Towers at Barangaroo (pictured)
Smoke from fires such as the Three Mile blaze in the Hawkesbury drifted down to Sydney and covered areas such as Town Hall in smoke
A pedestrian wears a mask as smoke and haze from bushfires in New South Wales blankets the CBD in Sydney
The smoke is expected to stick around for most of the summer – potentially putting a damper on Christmas celebrations
Construction workers on an overpass bridge at Rozelle watch the haze roll into Sydney on Tuesday
Some people braved the horror conditions and went for a dip at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach
Hazardous smoke: Sydney Trains workers were seen donning protective gear and the smoke rolled over the city
The haze – which blocked out buildings such as Centrepoint Tower – may cause breathing issues for those with heart or lung disease
Popular dining spots such as Opera Bar saw little traffic as some people tried their best to stay indoors
Nothing to see here: Tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House were covered under a thick blanket of smoke
The horrific air quality in Sydney was the equivalent of smoking 30 cigarettes – but the warm weather still brought swimmers down to Bronte beach
Several social media users were shocked and took photos of the Anzac Bridge barely visible
Numerous CBD offices – including Sydney’s law courts – were evacuated due to smoke on Tuesday while ferries were shut down
Some ferry services were shut down due to the smoke and buses were needed to replace ferries between the city and Manly
Total fire bans are in place for northwestern NSW, the northern slopes and the central ranges to stop the spread of blazes and smoke across Sydney city