Hazardous warnings are issued when the state government's air quality index hits 200. Armidale copped the worse of it, with the city's air quality peaking at 366, while Tamworth's hit 357.

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment urged everyone to avoid outdoor exertion and stay inside as much as possible, particularly those with heart or lung issues.

Tamworth Touch Association and Tamworth Oztag Association both cancelled all games on Monday, and other sporting events may be cancelled in conditions don't improve.

As bushfires are expected to continue to burn for the coming week, the Department also warned the hazardous conditions may extend for a number of days, depending on what way the wind blows.

Tamworth and Region Weather's David Farrenden said east and south easterly winds had pushed the thick smoke inland.

"The whole of the ranges are on fire so anywhere from Sydney to the border [of NSW] there's fires, it doesn't really matter where the winds are going to come from, they're still going to make it inland," Mr Farrenden said.

"There's not a lot in the wind department so it looks like it'll stick around.

"Tomorrow's looking a bit dodgy too so it's going to be smoky again tomorrow."

Gunnedah and Narrabri also experienced poor air quality.

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