It’s normal for NZ to get some smoke from Australia when they have big bushfires, but the images coming out of the South Island today are surreal.

Smoke is so thick the skies have darkened significantly and people have lights on in the middle of the day.

Latest satellite imagery shows the thick orange smoke and dust clouds covering NZ.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says this is a significant thick wave of smoke, almost unprecedented for New Zealand to get from Australia. It will affect NZ for the next couple of days. Those who suffer easily from breathing difficulties should close doors and windows and remain inside where possible if you’re finding breathing harder.

12:20PM JAN 1 SATELLITE MAP – Shows the giant plume of smoke smothering the Tasman Sea skies and NZ’s South Island. We’ve also switched on hotspots showing all the fires…

12 NOON AIR POLLUTION LEVELS (AQICN.org)

@WeatherWatchNZ Eerie light in Arrowtown this morning. This was taken 2 hours ago. pic.twitter.com/TNhpHFdMvv

— Kirstin Mills (@kirstinmmills) December 31, 2019

Yeah okay, the Aussie smoke is here! @lertinfo @WeatherWatchNZ @MetService pic.twitter.com/o1LVMuAxLM

— Generic Kiwi (@Generickiwi) December 31, 2019

This morning’s sunrise in Akaroa. Harbinger for the year? Decade? pic.twitter.com/SaWtgpfz2e

— Stefanie Rixecker (@SRixecker) December 31, 2019

Very eerie light today from that Australian bushfire smoke over us. This was taken at 11am and it was about as dark as 10pm! #bushfirecrisis @StormHour @WeatherWatchNZ pic.twitter.com/5Kg6f6Wmdw

— Tim Slade (@TimSlade15) December 31, 2019