The Melbourne region is today experiencing poor air quality, resulting from dust being generated by hot, dry conditions and strong winds. Our monitoring network is recording high PM10 levels in the ‘Poor’ to ‘Very Poor’ categories at six stations, from Geelong to west Melbourne and central Melbourne. The high readings are only occurring for coarse particles (dust) and not in other air quality parameters, such as fine particles that remain in the ‘Good’ and ‘Very Good’ categories.
This is a relatively common occurrence in Victoria at this time of year. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a cooling southwesterly change, with decreasing wind speeds, so we expect air quality to improve this evening.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has asked industry in the Brooklyn district to undertake appropriate actions to reduce dust raised from sites.
Check EPA’s air quality forecasts.
People who are affected by dust and particles in the air (such as asthmatics) should check the health advisory information at www.health.vic.gov.au