Natural Resources Wales (NRW) yesterday confirmed that it is extending its drought declaration across the whole of Wales - with very little rainfall and sustained high temperatures over the last week, conditions across Wales’ natural environment have continued to deteriorate.

This follows last week’s announcement that north Wales & Upper Severn entered into drought status after hydrological and environmental thresholds for drought had been met.

Updated figures show that Wales has received just 8% of its long-term average rainfall for July. As a result, this month is on course to be the driest July in Wales since records began 190 years ago.

The majority of rivers across Wales are exceptionally low, including the Rivers Clwyd, Dyfi, Alyn, Clywedog, Dyfi, Conwy, Cleddau, Cothi, Teifi, Wye and Usk.

Groundwater levels continue to regress across Wales, with some also lower than expected for the time of year.

Increasing reports of wide-reaching impacts to environment, land and agricultural activities

NRW teams are dealing with increasing reports of wide-reaching impacts to the environment, land and on agricultural activities.

This includes reports of drying riverbeds, fish in distress, algal blooms, continued wildfire risk and concerns from the agricultural community about crop growth, grazing conditions and water availability for livestock.

Regulation releases, including compensation releases, are being made to support river systems, abstraction and the environment. Additional reservoir releases to these are being made in some locations to support river ecosystems and fisheries, while abstraction controls and drought response measures continue to be implemented in line with NRW's Drought Plan.

Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at NRW, said:

“The intensity of the heat and the exceptional lack of rainfall means this is a rapidly changing picture in Wales. Our teams are closely monitoring forecasts and river flows and responding to increasing environmental concerns and incidents across Wales.

“The toll on the environment, our land and agriculture is clear to see, with many of our teams still dealing with the aftermath of extensive wildfires which have devastated forestry, grassland and special habitats.

“With no strong indications for notable rainfall in the forecasts, and risks of further heatwaves over the summer, it’s more important than ever that we all use water wisely. Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most.”

'Drought' is declared by NRW when a combination of indicators show a significant shortage of rainfall and water availability, resulting in impacts on rivers, groundwater, ecosystems, agriculture and land management. Water companies have their own triggers and drought definitions for public water supply.

NRW drought teams are continuing to meet regularly and have increased environmental monitoring across Wales.

The organisation says it continues to work closely with water companies, Welsh Government, the Environment Agency and members of the Wales Drought Liaison Group to monitor conditions and coordinate responses.

With drought status announced on 29 July for many areas in England, NRW is liaising with the Environment Agency on cross-border rivers Wye, Severn and the Dee to ensure it has a full picture of river health.

Rhian Thomas added:

“The extreme weather patterns we’ve seen over the last 12 months are a stark example of the impacts of climate change here in Wales and the UK.

“As an organisation, we’re already planning for these kinds of events to become more frequent, with hotter, drier summers and wetter winters predicted to become the norm.”