For 2018, Tamworth has been hit with just 327mm of rain which is less than half the yearly rainfall average up to December which is 672.5mm, according to Weatherzone data.

The 28-day rain forecast predicts a chance of rainfall for half of the 26 days left in the year.

However, just three days have a high chance – over 75 percent – of rain while eight days are a low chance – 25-50 per cent.

Gunnedah hasn’t fared much better than Tamworth in 2018 with 334.8mm in 2018. The yearly average for Gunnedah is 561.9mm.

While Tamworth and Gunnedah have had it bad, Coonabarabran is one of the worst hit towns in the region.

Coonabarabran has received a measly 268mm of rain this year compared to the yearly average of 750.4mm.

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The trend covers most of the North West with most townships getting roughly half of the average yearly rainfall in 2018.

Armidale has received one of the highest amounts of rain with 495mm which is still way down on the yearly average of 755.2mm.

While rainfall is down, temperatures look set to soar.

Long-range forecaster Dr Andrew Watkins said the outlook showed most of the country had an 80 per cent chance of exceeding normal temperatures during the next three months.

“Summer in Australia typically brings hot temperatures for many communities and the outlook indicates this summer will be no different,” he said.