The city is forecast to reach 38 degrees on Saturday, the warmest February day since Orange cracked the 40-degree ceiling with a recorded top temperature of 40.1 degrees on February 17 of 2017.

The average top temperature for February in Orange is 26 degrees.

The boiling start to February will be region wide, with a severe heatwave to bake the Central West with many centres to endure temperatures at least 10 degrees above average.

The long, hot summer is continuing with a total fire ban declared for southern parts of the region as well.

Police and emergency services are urging everyone in NSW to remember the four key messages to keep healthy in the heat:

While it is advised to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, large crowds are still expected at NSW beaches, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools.

State Emergency Operation Controller, NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, urged those cooling off by the water to be vigilant, and stay safe.

Anyone swimming in unfamiliar waterways is urged to take extra care - every year thousands of people require rescuing from the surf and many needlessly drown," Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

"Special care should be taken when swimming in rivers and dams where submerged objects may pose unexpected risks.

"I want to send a strong message to parents: if your children are out swimming, whether that is at the beach, a river, a dam or your backyard pool, and regardless of their age - they need to be supervised."

It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.