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A dust storm blankets Sydney - Source: Reuters -
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The red dust cloud which enveloped Sydney on Wednesday is quickly dissipating as it heads across the Tasman to New Zealand.
Strong winds from the outback dragged an estimated five million tonnes of dust over Australia's east coast, with Sydney hardest hit .
Pollution levels soared, and swirling dust caused the cancellation of flights and ferries.
The dust cloud is heading our way but is shrinking as it travels across the ocean. Bad weather in the Tasman Sea is speeding up the process.
Specialised infra-red technology, designed to pick up volcanic ash in the atmosphere, showed a "smeary area" about 450km west of Taranaki, believed to be the remnants of the dust cloud, MetService consultant meteorologist Ross Marsden said on Thursday morning.
Rain moving in on New Zealand would "wash out" the dust, he said.
The rain could be slightly coloured, but it would only be noticed as a residue once the droplets evaporated.
With no chance of a clear sky on Thursday night, there is no possibility of a red-tinged sunset, Marsden said.
"We are more concerned about the weather than this dust cloud."
MetService has issued severe weather warnings for much of the country.
Between 50 and 80mm of rain is forecast from Bay of Plenty and Waikato south to Wairarapa between 8am and midnight Thursday.
Trampers have been warned to watch out for rapidly rising streams and rivers, and farmers have been advised to move stock to higher ground.
An unseasonally cold southerly front is expected to hit Wellington and dump 20-50cm of snow down to 400 metres on the Tararua Range on Thursday.
Temperatures are expected to drop to 9degC in the capital.
Snow is also expected on most South Island alpine passes Thursday and Friday.
"There's quite a bit going on in the next 24 hours," said MetService duty forecaster Oliver Druce.
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