Large parts of New South Wales are facing an increasingly dry winter outlook, with new drought data indicating conditions are expected to worsen across the northeast, southeast and western regions of the state. The latest Combined Drought Indicator map shows significant inland areas now classified as “Drought Affected,” including parts of the Central West, North West and Northern Tablelands where conditions are intensifying. Coastal areas around Newcastle and the Hunter Valley are also experiencing emerging drought conditions. Forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology indicate only a low-to-moderate chance of above-average rainfall through July, alongside higher-than-average daytime temperatures expected to increase evaporation and pressure on crops and livestock. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has warned the drought footprint is likely to expand over the next six to eight weeks, with several regions expected to move into official drought status by the end of June.