As dozens of Australian fires continue to burn, some out of control, the air pressure set up over the Tasman Sea means New Zealand’s skies continue to be polluted.

By the time the smoke and dust reaches NZ it’s very high in the atmosphere, meaning visibility on the ground is OK but the blue skies have more of a grey/hazy look to them and the sunrises and sunsets are much deeper reds and oranges.

Some of this smoke, with the calm nigh pressure, may be noticeable in our valleys giving more of a blue look to hills and ranges too.

Also, those with very sensitive asthma or those sensitive to allergies may have noticed increased difficulties lately.

**PLEASE NOTE – This story and the images below was originally published on Nov 27**

– Current fires burning in Australia plus general wind flows today showing why smoke/dust keeps coming our way. Similar air flows continue next week too.

Arguably the most positive spin on the smoke over New Zealand is that it’s making for some stunning sunrises and sunsets. The negative here is that it reduces the colour of the blue skies, making New Zealand look as though it is placed in Europe or Asia where air quality isn’t as clean as our usual sou’west flow out of the clean pollution-free Southern Ocean area.

The air pressure systems for the past couple of weeks – and next couple of weeks ahead – favour more W to NW wind flows out of Queensland and New South Wales then out over the Tasman Sea and towards New Zealand, so more smokey skies can be expected.

HOW TO HELP IN AUSTRALIA FROM NZ: Media outlet Newshub has a page on how Kiwis can help with the Australian bushfires. Click here for more.

CURRENT FIRES AS OF NOV 27 (NZDT)

LATEST SATELLITE MAP WITH SMOKE INCLUDED (1:40PM NOV 27 NZDT):

– Image / “The very noticeable haze created by the Australian bushfires has produced this magnificent sunset today, Best I have seen in years!” Uploaded by: Rikini Tare Date: 24th Nov, 2019 to WeatherWatch.co.nz.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz