Canberra Turns Into a Smoky Cloud City
On Monday, Canberra became the world’s smokiest capital with billowing wildfire smoke drifting in from the east coast and inland.
Why It Matters
- National Gallery of Australia shut its doors.
- Offices told staff to stay home in their pajamas.
- Health officials warned residents to avoid outdoor exercise.
What’s Inside the Gallery?
The museum’s featured exhibit, Matisse & Picasso, displayed works borrowed from Paris’s Museé Picasso. Among them were portraits of Olga, Picasso’s wife, and Marie‑Therese, his muse.
Smoke Levels & NASA’s Global Tracking
Early readings reached hazardous levels, but as the day went on, a breeze helped disperse some of the cloud.
NASA’s satellite images showed the smoke making its way across New Zealand and even reaching South America—wildly unpredictable wind currents.
What the City Did
- National Gallery closed.
- Government bodies, including the Department of Home Affairs, kept non‑essential staff home.
- Health services urged the 400,000 residents to stay inside.
Impact
The Australian summer fires have gutted more than 8 million hectares of bushland, claimed at least 24 lives, and caused countless animal casualties.
The acrid, yellowish clouds have become a daily concern for public health, making it harder to breathe.
So, while Canberra’s air has turned into a dramatic backdrop, the city is staying safe by keeping everyone indoors and protecting its treasured artworks.
