Sydneysiders may have to wait until early next week to get much relief from the city's poor air quality but a spike in temperatures could add to their discomfort.

A poor air quality alert has been issued by the government for Friday but a ring of bushfires to Sydney's west and north mean shifting wind direction will drag smoke over the basin until at least Monday, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

Days more of smoke haze expected to cloak Sydney, with a spike in temperatures to come. Credit:Wolter Peeters

While temperatures in the city will remain slightly above the December average of 25.2 degrees for the next few days, Tuesday looms as a scorcher.

Coastal areas are likely to see a top that day of around 33 degrees but inland suburbs such as Richmond and Penrith can expect the mercury to climb to 43 and 44 degrees, respectively, the bureau said.