With the big day coming up next Tuesday we’ve looked at Weatherzone’s forecasts and our prediction is make sure you’re somewhere cool.

Young will be the hottest location in the region with a top of 35 degrees expected.

Also predicted to be hot is Dubbo, Forbes, Grenfell, Nyngan and Wellington which should all reach a top of 34 degrees.

Also in the 30s on Christmas Day will be Cowra and Parkes (both 33), Mudgee (32), Bathurst (31) and Oberon (30).

While it will be a tad cooler in Orange (28) and Lithgow (27).

Meanwhile in the up to Christmas Day, business leaders across the Central West said retail trade had been slow due to the drought.

Dubbo Chamber of Commerce president Matt Wright said the city had been pretty resilient. 

“Dubbo is a big service centre for a massive area which is largely rural and agricultural [and] they’re people who spend in the city,” he said.

“We’re expecting it to be a little slower this year.”

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