Melbourne Airport Visibility Down To 2km As Fires, Winds Hold Smoke Over City

[hatrack]

MELBOURNE is shrouded in a smoke haze as the Victoria fires continue to burn across the state. Visibility at Melbourne airport is down to 2km with the Bureau of Meteorology warning the haze could linger until the end of next week.

The Environment Protection Authority has issued a smoke warning, advising people with respiratory or heart conditions to take precautions, the Sunday Herald Sun reports.

EPA director of environmental services Bruce Dawson said that with predicted northeasterly winds, Melbourne would continue to be affected by smoke.

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Richard Carlyon, senior forecaster with the Bureau of Meterology, said northerly winds on Friday night had pushed the haze far out into Bass Strait, meaning southerlies were blowing the smoke back over the city rather than clearing it. He said the settled conditions would keep the smoke hanging over the city probably until Friday.

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http://www.news.com.au/story/0,,25056607-1243,00.html

[classof56]

1. Talked to a friend last night (NY) whose son lives in Melbourne.

She's concerned about her family of course. Me, too! Bad stuff going on! Saw a report on local TV about firefighters from my area (OR) going down under to help out. Hope this all ends soon!

Blessings.