RESIDENTS across north-western New South Wales are bracing for a heatwave of epic proportions, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees for at least one week from Sunday, January 25.

In Moree, a top of 45 degrees is forecast for Wednesday, January 28 with the thermometer on Australia Day, January 26, expected to reach 43 degrees.

Locally, the heatwave starts Sunday with a top of 41 degrees, with temperatures steadily climbing for the next four days to a midweek peak of 45 degrees on Wednesday.

Temperatures will slowly drop Thursday (43), Friday (41) and Saturday (41), with relieving rain and storms forecast for January 30-31

The predicted heatwave, with a top of 47 degrees expected at White Cliffs in far western New South Wales for three consecutive days starting Monday, comes in the wake of the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range national forecast for February to April, 2026.

BoM says the forecast currently shows days and nights are “likely to be warmer than average for most of Australia, with near equal chances of above or below average rainfall for most areas”.

December temperatures were average to above-average for much of Australia and significantly above-average in the west.

“Looking ahead, the rainfall forecast for February to April shows little signal across much of the country, meaning, near equal chances of above or below average rainfall across the three months,” a BoM spokesperson said.

“However, it is now monsoon season and high impact rain events in the north are typical during this time,” she said.

For January to March, near-median to high streamflow is likely along the east coast and sites across northern Australia.

Low flows are likely for parts of the south-east.

“Daytime temperatures for February to April are likely to be above average across Australia,” the spokesperson said.

“And overnight temperatures are very likely to be above average for most of the country.”

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

Most international models forecast a return to neutral ENSO conditions in the Pacific Ocean by the end of summer.

BoM’s update its long-range forecast regularly. To find out more, select your location HERE.