The smoke haze that has engulfed Canberra is expected to hover over the city until at least Wednesday.
Canberra's air quality has been marked as hazardous as of 10am on Monday by ACT air quality indexes.
The haze has been driven by strong winds fanning smoke from fires burning to Canberra's east in Braidwood and on the South Coast.
According to one global air quality service provider, Canberra's air quality is worse than that in parts of China and India.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Helen Kirkup said similar conditions to Sunday would be seen across the ACT on Monday.
"With the fires of that size near Canberra, we won't be seeing clear skies for quite a while," Ms Kirkup said.
"We're expecting it to be lurking for a few days."
The haze started to blanket the city on Saturday night, fueled by strong easterly winds.
However, while westerly winds were forecast for Monday, Ms Kikrup said the smoke was unlikely to disperse towards the firegrounds.
"When the winds turn west and north-westerly, it's only bringing the smoke back again and sending it around in a recirculation program," Ms Kirkup said.
"Monday's going to have similar conditions. Continually changing wind directions brings with it its own challenges."
The smoke haze is expected to clear over Canberra with the arrival of a slow-moving cold front over the capital later in the week.
Both bushfires near Canberra remain at advice level as of 8am on Monday with the South Coast fire having burnt more than 78,000 hectares.
The fire has forced the closure of the Kings Highway between Braidwood and Batemans Bay and the Princes Highway is closed between Batemans Bay and Burrill Lake.
ACT public health physician Dr Vanessa Johnston urged people to avoid prolonged or heavy physical activity in Canberra due to the smoky conditions around the city.
"Anyone who is sensitive to the effects of smoke and air pollution should take measures to avoid their exposure," Dr Johnston said.
"People sensitive to air pollution, including those with chronic heart or lung conditions, children 14 years or younger, pregnant women and people over 65 years should avoid all physical activity outside."
Canberra residents at risk have been urged to stay indoors with windows and doors closed and to switch air-conditioners to recycle or recirculate to limit the amount of smoke entering the building.
Those at risk have also been encouraged to seek out air-conditioned buildings such as shopping centres, libraries or community centres.
Unions ACT have also issued a work health and safety warning for those working outside in the smoky conditions.
Union secretary Alex White said people should limit their exposure to the smoke.
"The smoke from bushfires is toxic. There is no safe level of exposure to the smoke," he said.
Hot conditions are expected over Canberra in coming days.
A high of 36 degrees is expected on Monday before rising to 38 on Tuesday.
The arrival of the cold front later in the week should seek temperatures drop to 34 on Wednesday before hitting 23 on Friday.
