THE next four weeks could have a major bearing for the rest of year.
January is typically the hottest and wettest month in Armidale, but if the rain fails to come, the region’s farmers might not be able to recover after a hellish 2013.
On average, more than 100mm falls in January, with the average maximum temperature around the 26 degree mark
A lack of rain over the next few weeks would be devastating after the region suffered its driest December for 72 years.
Just 22mm fell last month, more than 60mm less than the long-term average.
It was the driest December since 1941, when just 10mm was recorded.
Two weeks ago, Armidale sweltered through its hottest day in modern times on 3 January when the mercury peaked at 37.1 degrees.
The temperature reached 38.4 on 26 January in 1952 when the post office recorded the weather.
The equipment has since been moved elsewhere.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, 636mm of rain fell in Armidale in 2013, about 141mm below the annual average.
In Guyra, 753mm fell last year, about 136mm below average.
