Drought has now been declared across the whole of Wales, with this month on course to be the driest July in Wales since records began 190 years ago, Natural Resources Wales said (NRW).
Confirming the drought, NRW said sustained high temperatures were causing the condition of the natural environment to “deteriorate”. The country’s environment body added that Wales has received just 8% of its long-term average rainfall for the month, with just one day to go. The majority of rivers across the country are running “exceptionally low”, including the Rivers Clwyd, Dyfi, Alyn, Clywedog, Dyfi, Conwy, Cleddau, Cothi, Teifi, Wye and Usk.
Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at Natural Resources Wales, 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.”
NRW said that prolonged dry conditions are drying out river beds, stressing fish populations, promoting algal blooms, and heightening farmers’ concerns over crop growth.
The group had already announced a drought across North Wales and the Upper Severn river basin last week.
This comes after it was declared yesterday that seven areas of central, eastern and southern England are now officially in drought following record low rain and high temperatures, the Environment Agency has said.
July saw just 7% of the expected levels of rainfall, with just 1% across southern England.
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.”