The air quality index rating in the Illawarra is more than double the threshold considered hazardous on Friday morning, after a smoky dust haze settled over the Illawarra on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Any air quality reading over 200 is hazardous according to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
The Illawarra had a reading of more than double that on Friday morning at 414.
Those with breathing difficulties are urged to stay indoors if possible and take extra precautions.
After a hot and windy Thursday which led to severe fire danger across the region, Friday and weekend temperatures are expected to be much milder in the mid-20s.
There is a high chance of showers on Friday, and the chance of a thunderstorm.
A number of fires across the state, including on the South Coast, flared to emergency level on Thursday, but all have been downgraded to advice level.
Three American crew died after a water-bombing plane crashed while battling bushfires in southern NSW that flared amid gusty winds and scorching temperatures.
The large aerial water tanker was swallowed by flames after crashing in the Snowy Mountains region on Thursday afternoon.
The RFS said losing the C130 Hercules was a "confronting and sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with firefighting".
With AAP
