A dust storm has swept across regional New South Wales, with social media users posting a flurry of videos and towns described as “life on Mars.”

The dust swallowed whole towns this afternoon as it barrelled through centres including Dubbo, Tullamore, Nyngan and Hermidale.

A dust storm has swept across regional New South Wales. (Instagram/@kirst_alycee)

Inland New South Wales had a scorching hot day, with temperatures in the high 30s early 40s. (Instagram)

It was another scorching, humid day for much of the state with Dubbo reaching a top of 39 degrees.

Instagram users tagged their dust pictures with hashtags including “hothothot,” and “cleanupcoming.”

The dust appeared eerily and swallowed whole towns as it swept through this afternoon. (Instagram/@benjaminwwild)