Smoke shrouds Sydney’s skyline as wildfires burn nearby

Fires have destroyed 577 homes in New South Wales during the wildfire season, which peaks during the Southern Hemisphere summer but has started early after an unusually warm and dry winter.

Sydney: Thick smoke from wildfires has shrouded Sydney and its surrounding areas with health experts warning residents with medical conditions to remain indoors.

The Sydney skyline was barely visible with air quality in some parts of the city reaching over hazardous levels early Tuesday.

Sydney’s skyline covered in smoke

Shane Fitzsimmons, the state’s rural fire commissioner, says firefighters would be challenged by high temperatures and wind conditions.

Most of the coastal areas of New South Wales are under very high fire danger with 48 fires burning across the state.

Fires have destroyed 577 homes in New South Wales during the wildfire season, which peaks during the Southern Hemisphere summer but has started early after an unusually warm and dry winter.

Strong winds accompanied by the smoke from a huge fire at Gospers Mountain north-west of Sydney took over the city on Tuesday morning.

According to the Rural Fire Service, more than 1,300 firefighters continued their battle with the bushfire ahead thot and dry weather conditions.

Parts of eastern New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are still under the fire danger. Firefighters are still focused on preventing further loss of life and property.