Smoke blankets Sydney as ‘severe’ bushfire conditions escalate

Much of Sydney is covered in smoke as the bushfire danger rises once again.
The haze which has blanketed most of the Greater Sydney region is stemming from the Gospers Mountain fire, about 100 kilometres north-west of Sydney.
A poor air quality warning is in place, with people suffering from respiratory issues urged to keep their medication with them at all times.
A Total Fire Ban is again in force across Sydney and seven other regions across New South Wales.
Smoke currently blankets much of the #NSW east coast. This is likely to begin clearing once the day warms up and winds increase. However the smoke is not expected to completely clear and is likely to settle across the area once again this afternoon. #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/9RFAYgExEw
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 18, 2019
A severe fire danger rating has been issued as temperatures are expected to climb as high as 39 degrees in Sydney’s west.
There are currently almost 50 bushfires burning across the state, all at a Watch and Act alert level.
Hot and hazy today as bushfire #smoke reduces air quality across several districts. For central parts (inc. #Sydney, #Wollongong and #Newcastle) smoke haze may not ease much until a southerly wind change arrives this evening.
See latest alerts from DPIE https://t.co/IzYEMJU3v0
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 18, 2019
With high levels of smoke around today it is important that anyone with respiratory issues takes extra care. If you have a pre-existing medical condition make sure you have all your medications with you and readily available at all times. #NSWFires #NSWAmbulance #Smoke
— NSW Ambulance (@NSWAmbulance) November 18, 2019
With high levels of smoke around Sydney today it is important that anyone with respiratory issues takes extra care.
Please remember:
If you are feeling unwell, don’t board the train.
Seek station staff for help.
https://t.co/JDWiLG4qVW pic.twitter.com/VQgntQLc4R— T1 Sydney Trains (@T1SydneyTrains) November 18, 2019
Feature image: Nine News