LONG-range national weather forecasts for the 2026 January-February-March quarter are in, with Moree in for a damp start to the new year.

Locally, rain is predicted – up to 30mm – across the region from January 2 to January 5, with temperatures in the low-30s expected.

Moree daytime maximums in January should sit around 34 degrees, with humidity likely. Rain and storms also likely during the first month of 2026, with up to 80mm forecast.

Similar conditions are likely in February, with slightly less rainfalls.

In 2025, Moree received just over 650mm of rain, with the wettest day being November 22 when 64mm was officially recorded.

However, some falls in the district were nearly double that for the same period.

The hottest day so far this year in Moree was January 23, when the thermometer reached 41.7 degrees.

The coldest day this year was August 31 – the last day of winter – with a minimum of -0.6 degrees.

Overall, Moree’s temperatures for 2025 – hot and cold – were mild, compared to previous years.

North West Local Land Services says positive production outlooks remain across north-western New South Wales.

The DPIRD drought forecast, issued November 30, suggests most of the region is likely to remain in the non-drought category well into 2026.

One national, long-range forecast, issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, shows roughly equal chances of above or below average rainfall for most of Australia, with days and nights likely to be warmer than average for most of the country.

Looking ahead, the rainfall forecast shows roughly equal chances of above or below average rainfall for most of Australia.

Parts of Queensland and New South Wales have a slightly increased chance of above average rainfall. Below average rainfall is likely in parts of the west and south-western Tasmania.

For December to February, near medium to high streamflow is likely along the east coast.

Low flows are likely for much of the south-east and scattered areas of the north-east.

Daytime temperatures for January to March are likely to be above average for much of Australia. Overnight temperatures are likely to be above average across the country, with the highest chances of warmer nights across western, northern and eastern Australia.

Sea surface temperatures for January to March are forecast to be warmer than average across much of the globe, including around Australia.

While La Niña is underway, it is forecast to end early in the new year.

To the west, the negative Indian Ocean Dipole event is weakening and is near its end.

Long range forecasts are updated regularly at BoM Climate.