But they may still be surprised that, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, Kempsey endured it’s hottest ever day – a 46.7 degree scorcher on February 12. 

This eclipses the former record high temperature for February by 0.3 degrees. 

The Bureau states that the 40 degree mark was cracked twice in January, coming perilously close to breaking January's record high temperature of 43 degrees. 

December’s average high temperature of 30 degrees exceeded the previous average monthly high of 25.

It will also surprise few that the summer months were notably drier than average. 

February had 68.4mm of rainfall, less than half the average amount of 158.1mm. 

January was similar with a dry 49.2mm compared to the average 133.1mm, while December had just 25.2mm, far down on the December average of 110mm. 

It’s a trend that looks set to continue, with the Bureau forecasting that March is likely to be hotter and drier than average across most of Australia. including the Mid North Coast. 

Rainfall is likely to be below average over the southern two-thirds of the country, while warmer autumn days and nights are expected across most of Australia, except in the northwest where days and nights are likely to be cooler than average.

With these factors in mind, the fires that lashed the Macleay mid-February could have been much worse, if not for the efforts of vigilant home owners and local firefighters.

The fire around Spring Hill Road, Dondingalong, destroyed two homes as well as burning through thousands of acres of land.