Melbourne's relief from the choking smoke haze will be shortlived as winds from the state's east blow more smoke across the city from Saturday.

Winds will likely bring the smoke from 20 active fires back to Melbourne, with the Environment Protection Authority predicting "moderate" air quality in the city on Saturday and Sunday.

The view from the Eureka Tower showed a city covered in bushfire smoke. Credit:Joe Armao

But conditions are not expected to be as hazardous as they were earlier in the week when more than 50 flights were cancelled at the airport, public pools and beaches were closed, and everyone from posties to train drivers to office workers wore masks.

It's hoped the air quality will return to a "good" rating in time for the first round of the Australian Open on Monday, but officials say they will prioritise communication with players about the conditions.