Overview

• A dust storm originating in South Australia on May 26 swept across Victoria before blanketing Greater Sydney and Illawarra with fine particles.
• PM10 readings peaked above 600 µg/m3 in parts of western Sydney and reached 903 µg/m3 in Illawarra, with Wollongong’s air quality index hitting a hazardous 926 before easing midday.
• Health officials have urged residents—especially those with asthma, lung or heart conditions—to avoid outdoor activity, keep windows closed and use damp cloths to filter indoor air.
• Strong westerly winds fueled by extreme drought and an incoming cold front drove the dust transfer, and the Bureau of Meteorology says stronger winds will clear the haze by Tuesday afternoon.
• High particulate levels have raised concerns about aviation safety and compounded health challenges for communities still recovering from recent floods.