Smoke blanketing Sydney skyline
Sydneysiders woke this morning to a thick blanket of haze after bushfires on the NSW Mid North Coast blew smoke across the city.
Overnight bushfires still burning near Port Stephens and Nerong caused smoke to drift south down the coast across the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, the Central Coast and into Sydney.

Thick smoke has draped the skyline of New South Wales’ capital, significantly affecting air quality across the city.

Smoke blanketing Sydney skyline
Sydneysiders woke to a hazy skyline today after overnight bushfires blew smoke down the coast. (Today)

Today, several areas within New South Wales, including Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the Lower Hunter, and the Southern Tablelands, have been flagged for poor air quality. Meanwhile, the air quality in Tibooburra, located in the state’s far northwest, has been deemed extremely poor.

Fortunately, the smoky haze hovering over Sydney is anticipated to dissipate as the morning progresses.

“Residents may notice the sight and smell of smoke this morning,” the NSW Rural Fire Service announced.

“However, conditions are expected to get better as the day unfolds. A southerly change is forecast to help lift and clear the smoke throughout the morning,” they added.

“Conditions are expected to improve, with smoke gradually lifting and clearing through the morning, assisted by a southerly change through the day.

“Please only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire.”

: Pacific Hwy Fire, Nerong (Mid-Coast LGA) - Saturday 31 January 2026. See less
The Pacific Highway fire in Nerong. (NSW Rural Fire Service)
The fire in Port Stephens is burning between Medowie and Oyster Cove, about 25 kilometres northeast of Newcastle.

Firefighters remain on the ground to contain the blaze, which has reached 408 hectares.

Another fire is not yet under control south of Nerong in the Myall Lakes National Park area.

The Nerong fire is around 4112 hectares in size.

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