Record heat strikes Sydney on election day, but breathing will be tough this week with smoke and pollen. The NSW Health Department have issued an air pollution health warning for Sydney due to smoke particles from hazard reduction burning throughout the weekend. Temperatures are soaring in Sydney this election day, reaching 30 degrees. This makes it the hottest day this early in spring since records began over 150 years ago. The city and the east will become a bit cooler this afternoon with a weak seabreeze, followed by a slightly stronger and cooler southeasterly change in the evening. Behind the change Sunday will only reach 23 degrees in the city and the mid twenties in our west. The warm temperatures will return on Monday and Tuesday as westerly winds incease, bringing in heat from central Australia. On these days the health concerns from hazard reduction burns will be lower than on the weekend due to the gusty winds. However, these gusty winds will bring in extra pollen and dust, combining with high temperatures, making it hard to breathe for hay fever sufferers. Tuesday will be the worst day for pollen sufferers this early in spring in many years. It's going to be a tougher week than most for breathing, so for those with relevant health concerns it's a good idea to stay indoors as much as possible.