The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is predicting dry conditions to intensify around the Western Plains 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.

All areas across the Western Plains are expected to be affected, with exceptions being Cobar and Lightning Ridge.

Many graziers and pastoralists watched weather websites in dismay as widely predicted falls of up to 35mm for Saturday 14 February and further rain on Sunday 15, were wiped from the forecast just a day or two out from the weekend.

Although media reports of dry conditions have just recently begun to appear for the central west, farmers have said it has already been dry for several months.

Running the family property 'Merryoula' west of Baradine, Bill Mackay said the drought is knocking on his front door.

"We're sort of already just about there for our place," he said.

"We've probably only had maybe 40 mills maybe since September.

"We're feeding all our stock, basically."

On Narratigah, east of Coonamble, Tony Single said drought is a heavy term to be throwing around, but it is dry nonetheless at his property.

"Drought's probably a big word to use at this point in time, but yes, we're significantly dry," Mr Single said.

"We've got a large soil moisture deficit."

Ben Markey at 'Bowra', west of Coonamble is also going through the hardships of dry weather.

"We had 14 mills last Monday (9 February) and that's been the best rain in four months," he said.

"Nearly everywhere's the same."

He reported his dams were on the way out, with at least two of them dry enough to bog sheep.

Although the dams might be drying up, Mr Markey's optimism certainly is not.

"Every day is another day closer to rain," he quipped.