We’re nearly half-way through autumn but you’d hardly know it in Forbes with temperatures above 30 degrees for the past two weeks.

Forbes’ average maximum temperature is more than nine degrees above the long-term average for April so far.

Weatherzone statistics put the average afternoon high for the month to date at 33.1 degrees – a lot higher than the long-term average of 24.5 degrees.

Our hottest day has been 35 degrees, just shy of the 35.1 degree record set in 2016.

No surprises that our nights have also been hotter than the norm for this time of year.

Weatherzone lists our average minimum temperature for April 2018 to date as 13.3 degrees, above a long-term average of 9.4 degrees. 

So far our coldest morning for the month has been 10 degrees – our coldest morning for the year was 4.1 degrees on March 27.

Back in April 2006 we shivered through a -1.8 degree morning. 

Meanwhile, we could desperately use an autumn rain break. 

Nothing has been measured at Forbes Airport this month, and there’s been just 47mm recorded at the airport so far this year.

Forbes’ average rainfall to April is 155.4mm.

The Department of Primary Industries has Forbes – and more than three quarters of the central west – listed as drought onset under their combined drought indicator. 

Looking ahead, the forecast is finally giving a hint of reprieve. There is a chance of 5-10mm rain this Friday, with temperatures then expected to cool down next week.

There’s a chance of more showers on Saturday and a much more autumnal top of 21 degrees forecast for Sunday.