The Illawarra could find itself blanketed by a red haze later this week with the possibility of a dust storm sweeping across NSW.
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Parts of outback NSW, including White Cliffs, were cloaked in dirt on Tuesday.
Forecasters are closely monitoring a system headed towards the state and associated high winds that could pick up masses of loose dust caused by drought conditions.
"If it does happen it could have big impact," Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Anita Pyne said.
"Dust storms can effect transport and even stop planes from landing."
A cold front that moved through South Australia on Tuesday, with a low pressure trough over New South Wales, is responsible for current conditions.
“That low pressure system will bring strong westerly winds to NSW,” Ms Pyne said.
“These strong winds have the potential to pick up dust and raise it high into the atmosphere.”
Winds are expected to pick up after Wednesday, and could hit 45km per hour on Thursday and Friday.
“We can't rule out any events before then, but its more likely later on Thursday and into Friday,” Ms Pyne said.
People with asthma, diabetes or a breathing related conditions are advised to be cautious.
AAP, with Madeline Crittenden