The coming days will bring challenges to residents and livestock, with a cold front predicted to hit on Thursday, followed by snow on Friday, August 9.
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The SES has issued a warning to the region of very cold and windy weather from Thursday through to Sunday.
"Planning outdoor activities? Especially for bushwalking or camping, ensure that you are prepared with appropriate clothing for cold, snow weather and be mindful of falling branches and trees in the strong. cold winds," a statement from the SES said.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts Thursday will be cloudy with a chance of showers and a top of 11 degrees. The temperature is then expected to plummet on Friday, expected to reach a top of 7 degrees for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
According to the Bureau's MetEye maps, snow will begin to fall around the Jenolan Caves area at about 4pm on Thursday. Snow is then predicted to fall around the region on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including at Lithgow and Orange, peaking at 7am on Saturday morning.
More falls are predicted on Saturday and Sunday, clearing on Sunday afternoon.
Farmers on the Central Tablelands have been advised to start planning ahead now to avoid being caught out by the next winter cold snap.
Central Tablelands Local Land Services stated drought affected sheep will struggle to survive in harsh winter weather.
"Winter can be a difficult time for livestock, and their capacity to cope with cold is reduced if they're in paddocks with little pasture," senior land services officer (livestock) Brett Littler said.
In areas where rainfall has been limited, cold temperatures and frosts will further slow pasture growth, making it more likely that stock will need to be given additional feed in the event of a severe cold change.
"Anyone lambing or shearing during the coming weeks will be well aware of the risks sheep face during a cold snap," Brett said.
"Keeping feed up to a mob is essential, and well worth the added expense and effort when you consider the price sheep are fetching at market, and the potential lost profits due to a reduced lambing percentage.
"Moving stock to paddocks with better shelter will also significantly improve the survival prospects of valuable animals. Access to detailed forecasting tools for snow and cold weather can also help farmers avoid being caught out by a cold snap."
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