Canberra's air quality has improved on Friday morning, but remains well above hazardous levels in parts of the city.
After choking through the worst air quality of any city in the world on Thursday, Canberrans woke to slightly less smoky skies on Friday.
But the haze continues to linger at dangerous levels. An air quality rating of 1681 was recorded at 7am in Monash - more than nine times above what is considered hazardous.
Bureau of Meterology meterologist Helen Reid said winds from the northwest of Canberra, where no fires are presently burning, had fanned some cleaner air into the capital.
"There will be a haze throughout the day, but it won't be as bad as it was [on Thursday]," Ms Reid said.
However, Ms Reid said a change in wind direction later on Friday would bring a fresh wave of smoke from fires burning on the NSW South Coast and near Braidwood.
"You can expect to see a return to the smokiness this evening, and you might wake up to it in the morning," she said.
Canberrans have been rushing to buy P-2 smoke masks, which can filter particles, to protect themselves from the haze. Bunnings was last night ordering more masks, while the ACT government was working to shore up its own supply.
However, health officials have warned that P-2 masks had many limitations and were only effective if fitted perfectly.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 37 degrees on Friday, before an expected top of 42 degrees on Saturday.
A total fire ban has been declared for both days, with the Emergency Services Agency yesterday declaring a "state of alert" due to the conditions.
Australia Post has suspended postie and van deliveries until further notice. Mail will be delivered as normal to Parcel Lockers and PO Boxes.
The National Zoo and Aquarium will be closed on Saturday due to poor conditions. The attraction aims to open on Sunday at this stage.
