The city almost hit 37 degrees by late-afternoon. Dust was in the air as a hot, dry wind whipped through the region.

But that taste of a summer scorcher isn't coming back anytime soon.

On Saturday, residents can expect a totally different day. It is expected to be a top of 21 degrees while there is a 90 per cent chance of 5-10mm of rain, according to Weatherzone.

Weatherzone is also predicting an 80 per cent chance of 10-20mm on Friday along with a 40 per cent chance of 1-5mm on Sunday.

On Monday, while Tamworth hit a maximum of 36.9 degrees, Moree peaked at 38.7 and Gunnedah at 37.4.

Wind gusts exceeded 60 kilometres an hour in Tamworth as well.

The dust in the air was the real worry, though after an air quality alert was sent out on Monday because PM10 levels exceeded national air quality standards.

The short heat wave is predicted to be gone by Tuesday when the maximum expected is 29 degrees in Tamworth.

The maximum temperature will hover in the early to mid-20s for the rest of the week while temperatures as low as four degrees are predicted for Tamworth for some early risers.

Tuesday: 29

Wednesday: 24

Thursday: 24

Friday: 25

Saturday: 21

Sunday: 25