Sydney's air quality plummeted on Tuesday as a thick blanket of bushfire smoke clogged the city.
The haze has left the city as the 14th worst in the world on the World Air Quality Index.
A warning for severe fire danger has been issued, as temperatures soared to 37 degrees Celsius in the city's west.
Residents have also been advised to stay indoors, with the New South Wales Ambulance service emphasising that those with respiratory issues should "take extra care".
Iran confirms death of security chief Larijani
Iran has confirmed the death of senior political figure Ali Larijani, a key member of the country’s security establishment, amid ongoing regional conflict.
Washington targets Iran's fortified missile sites near Hormuz
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced late on Tuesday that its forces are carrying out strikes at fortified missile sites on the Iranian coast near the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli strikes in central Beirut kill 10 people, Lebanese authorities say
Israeli airstrikes in Beirut killed at least 10 people on Wednesday, the Lebanese health ministry said, shaking the heart of the Lebanese capital as Israel intensified its offensive against Hezbollah.
Israel military says its tank fire hit UN Lebanon base, regrets incident
Israel's military on Wednesday acknowledged that its tank fire hit a U.N. position in southern Lebanon on March 6, wounding Ghanaian peacekeepers, an incident that underscores the growing risks as Israeli operations expand.
Dubai authorities have confirmed on Wednesday the success of all air interception operations, with no injuries reported.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has allocated 4,631 residential land plots to citizens in Dubai, valued at a total of 5.3 billion dirhams.
CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, has stated that the aviation hub's recovery has reached 40 per cent of normal traffic movement as it strongly recovers from the ongoing regional developments.
