Weeks of large-scale bushfires on the east coast of New South Wales and southern Queensland have caused air quality to drop to hazardous levels.

In NSW alone, two million hectares of land have been burnt since July in more than 7,000 fires. Six people have died and 673 homes have been destroyed in what authorities have called the “most challenging bushfire season ever”.

In Sydney, a temperature inversion over the city has trapped smoke in the city basin and with fires burning in all directions, wind changes have not cleared the haze. Other parts of the state have endured weeks more of poor air quality.

No filter: haze from bushfires blankets Sydney Harbour. Photograph: Steven Saphore/EPA

Children, the elderly and those with heart and lung conditions are most at risk. Health authorities have advised people to reduce outdoor activities and seek medical advice if they experience difficulties. Schools have cancelled sporting activities, flights have been delayed and many people have begun to wear masks to cope with the smoke.

Worst Sydney bushfire smoke day easily. When you can taste it in the back of your throat, yeah ... it’s brutal. #sydneysmoke — James Smith (@JamesSmith1001) December 2, 2019

Anyone else looking at this blood red #SYDNEYsmoke filled sky at sunset and feeling unnerved? Even the Harbour Tunnel is choked with smoke. pic.twitter.com/oH1eMDwzaN — Lisa Wilkinson (@Lisa_Wilkinson) December 2, 2019

All I can smell is smoke. All I can taste is smoke. My throat feels dry with ash. My head is pounding. And I’m at least 50kms but probably more like 100km away from any fire. It must be absolutely suffocating to be any closer. And it’s been smoky for weeks. #sydneysmoke — Melissa (@melissakp) December 2, 2019

In all seriousness i just ordered one of these smoke masks. Nearly three months premature here and can’t breathe properly. #sydneysmoke pic.twitter.com/wA7zKWY2fW — Jack Colwell (@jackcolwell_) December 3, 2019

This obscured death star hovering in our sky while we choke on smoke is the new normal so… enjoy that everyone. pic.twitter.com/GEFAYmWoan — Dave Earley (@earleyedition) December 2, 2019

With hot and dry conditions set to continue over the summer, we want to know your experiences of living amid an unprecedented environmental crisis. How are you coping? How have your family and friends been affected by the air quality?

Tell us your thoughts in the comments below, email australia@theguardian.com or leave a phone message for our Full Story podcast team on (02) 8076 8550.