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.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

You May Also Like

Trump Announces Strategic Initiative to Navigate Stranded Ships Safely Through Hormuz Starting Monday

IN BRIEF The United States will soon start escorting ships through the…

US Secures Strategic Victory on Vital Oil Route Following Trump’s Directives

The United States military has announced that two merchant ships flying the…

Search Suspended Following Triple Fatality in NSW Maritime Rescue Operation

A search operation following the capsizing of a yacht off northern New…

Unveiling the Hidden Perks of a Cruise Captain’s Life: Free Lifetime Vacations and More!

A seasoned captain with over three decades of experience at sea shares…

The Voice Referendum: Analyzing the Impact and Outcomes of a Pivotal Campaign in Australia

The seven-month journey leading to the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to…

Tragic Discovery of Newborn at Campsite Leaves Regional Community Heartbroken

The community in the Riverina region of New South Wales is reeling…

Experts Warn Against Today’s Interest Rate Hike: Here’s Why It Could Be a Misstep

Experts caution that another interest rate hike today could push Australia into…

Australians Hopeful for Rare RBA Policy Shift Amid Economic Uncertainty

Ben Udy, the chief economist at Oxford Economics Australia, has issued a…

Poll Reveals Key Concern for Anthony Albanese Amid Uluru Rally: The Post-Voice Vote Challenge

Recent polling indicates that voters are increasingly distancing themselves from Anthony Albanese’s…

Full-Time World Traveler Reveals the Hidden Dangers Behind the Glamorous Lifestyle

Since she was a child, Ombeline Daragon Ferreira felt a deep urge…

Leagh’s Unexpected Discovery on Partner’s Phone Leaves Her in a Dilemma

Would you have the courage to inform a friend that their partner…

Albanese Secures Strategic Partnership with Japan: Boosting Defence, Minerals, and Fuel Security

In Brief Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is in Australia, meeting with…