Update: Wednesday, 8am:
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South-west residents have woken to a thick blanket of smoke.
It is expected to clear this afternoon, but residents have been warned of the possible affects to their health.
Everyone should minimise the time spent in smoky conditions whenever practical to do so.
What you should do:
Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).
If you have concerns about your health you should seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
Symptoms of smoke inhalation injury can include itchy eyes, sore throat and runny nose through to shortness of breath, coughing, vomiting, nausea, and confusion.
People should guard against exposure to smoke by taking some simple precautions:
Stay inside your house if possible; close all windows and doors.
If you use an air conditioner switch it to "recycle" or "recirculate".
Avoid exercise.
Ordinary paper dust masks and handkerchiefs won't filter out fine particles from bushfire smoke - use a special P2 or N95 filter mask, which you can get at a hardware store. Be sure it fits properly and you don't have any medical issues that would prevent use.
Smoke and your health:
Some people are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
You will be more sensitive to smoke if you have a heart or lung condition (including asthma), are pregnant, or are over 65. Children up to 14 are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
If you are sensitive to smoke you should limit prolonged or heavy physical activity. Where possible you should try to stay indoors.
If you have a heart or lung conditions you should take your medication as prescribed by your doctor.
If you are asthmatic, follow your asthma plan and carry reliever medication with you.
For more information on smoke and your health visit https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/air/smoke.
This message was issued by Environment Protection Authority.
Earlier: A blanket of haze developed over the south-west on Tuesday afternoon.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Dean Stewart said the smoke should disappear on Wednesday afternoon.
"The smoke is from the fires in eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales," he said.
"The easterly winds transported the smoke across to the west last night and there's smoke right across the state.
"A south-westerly wind is coming in overnight and by Wednesday afternoon the smoke should ease."
Mr Stewart said the smoke had travelled past Warrnambool meaning it would take a couple of hours for the air to clear tomorrow.
VicEmergency services issued statewide air quality advice and deemed the air quality to be moderate - hazardous on Wednesday, January 15.
The service advised people to stay indoors and close all windows and doors, switch air conditioners to "recycle" or "recirculate", avoid exercise and use special P2 or N95 filter masks from hardware stores.
Warrnambool is expecting a top of 23 degrees on Wednesday, 19 on Thursday, 21 on Friday, 23 on Saturday and 21 on Sunday.
Mr Stewart said Warrnambool can expect to have light showers over the weekend.
"A low-pressure trough is developing the state with predicted storms early next week."
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