Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 24 and 25, 2017) both saw temperatures rise above 40 degrees and since then it has remained in the mid to high 30s.

Temperatures will again soar above 40 on Sunday (January 7) with a maximum temperature of 41 forecast.

It will be the first of three days set for 41, with Monday and Tuesday also predicted to be scorchers before temperatures drop to 39 on Wednesday and 37 Thursday.

As residents brace themselves for next week’s heatwave, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) is expected to be a popular place to beat the heat.

It has already proven a popular destination for locals and visitors over the past two to three weeks, with a slight increase in numbers through the gate compared to last year according to MAAC CEO Emma Brazel.

“We’ve had lots of visitors either visiting family or just here for a few days to escape the rat race in Sydney,” she said.

“We’ve also had lots of people from Goondiwindi, Inverell, Narrabri and within the region come for the day.”

Ms Brazel expects the MAAC will remain busy in the coming weeks, with the heat and a number of children training for their upcoming swimming carnivals.

The MAAC has also seen an increase in gym memberships over the new year.

“Everyone is getting their new year’s resolutions underway,” Ms Brazel said.

Ms Brazel said the facility is a great place to stay cool over the hot summer months.

“The water slide is running between 11am and 4pm in the school holidays and it’s free on Fridays,” she said.

“It’s a good and safe environment with qualified lifeguards and we have the best chips in town; whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner, the cafe is opened all our trading hours.

“Come and use the gym in a cool 22-degree airconditioned room. We’ve got our gym fitness classes on a limited schedule until school goes back and then on February 8 classes will resume as normal.”