Overview

• Visibility improved by Tuesday afternoon as south-westerly winds dispersed the dust across Sydney.
• Despite the clearing, PM10 readings stayed in the “poor” to “extremely poor” categories, with regions like Prospect recording 693 µg/m³ and the Illawarra reaching 903 µg/m³.
• The storm originated in drought-affected South Australia on May 26 before moving through Victoria into New South Wales.
• Authorities urged residents, particularly those with asthma and other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, to stay indoors, keep windows shut and use damp cloths to filter air.
• The Bureau of Meteorology expects air quality to gradually improve but advises ongoing vigilance over the next several days.