The Rural Fire Service Illawarra said the smoke is from fires outside the region and the haze has created poor visibility.

People are reminded to only call Triple 0 if they see if a fire and no trucks attending to it.

The temperature has dropped to 25 degrees in Wollongong but Albion Park remains at 37 degrees.

Read more: Live updates as South Coast towns evacuated

A cooler change is expected in the evening.

There is a slight chance of a shower and thunderstorm, most likely likely later in the evening.

Residents had to deal with scorching temperatures and gusty winds all day.

RFS Illawarra reported at 2:15pm the Bellambi weather station was reading 37 degrees, with north-north westerly winds gusting to 60kph.

There have been no bush or grass fires in the Illawarra, however an Illawarra strike team was sent to far South Coast where fires are at emergency warning.

A severe bush fire danger rating remains in place as does a total fire ban.