The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is predicting dry conditions to intensify around Coonamble for the next few months, and local farmers say they have felt it all year.
As of 31 January 2026, approximately 48% of NSW is in one of the NSW Combined Drought Indicator drought categories, increasing 3% since the end of December.
According to the DPIRD (Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development) quarterly seasonal update, the most likely outcome is for drought conditions to expand further into western, central and northern NSW up to 30 April.
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