People living in Sydney will have woken up to what has now become a regular sight: a massive smoke haze.
Over the past few weeks the New South Wales capital has had its fair share of days where smoke has blanketed the city; however, today is easily one of the worst days. You only have to look at the air quality index at some suburbs around Sydney and you'll see why it's such a danger.
Oakdale registered 1,044 on the air quality index, which is more than five times higher than the 'hazardous' level of 200. But if you thought that was bad, wait till you see other areas.
According to the ABC, Rouse Hill recorded 1,789, Earlwood was at 1,517, and Parramatta in Sydney's West is at 1,271. Macquarie Park has topped the list with a whopping 2,214.
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That is, quite frankly, messed up.
People with breathing difficulties have been warned to stay indoors today as the smoke haze can be very damaging to their health.
Dr Richard Broome, from NSW Health, said: "The people who are most vulnerable are people who have existing heart and lung problems. It's best to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, which is generally from about 11am to 4pm.
"Staying indoors also protects you from bushfire smoke. If you don't have air conditioning, using a fan can cool you down and keeping curtains shut helps to keep the heat out of your home. It's also important to minimise physical activity and to drink plenty of water.
"It's also really important to stay in regular contact with elderly neighbours, friends and relatives because they may be more vulnerable to the heat."
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Temperatures are forecast to get into the 40s in some areas and that could add to the complications from smoke. People on social media have complained that today's smoke is easily the worst they've ever seen.
One woman on Twitter wrote: "Woke up this morning to the worst smoke haze I have ever seen in our local area.
Another added: "Definitely the worst the conditions on the Northern Beaches have been. I've had no voice for three days from the smoke, I can't imagine how people living closer are coping."
There will be a large wind change later today that will push a lot of the smoke however that's when the temperature spike is also expected so please be careful out there.
Featured Image Credit: ABC