Drought declared across whole of Wales as rivers fall to ‘exceptionally low’ levels

Drought has now been declared across all of Wales.

The country’s environment body Natural Resources Wales (NRW) declared the extension of the drought on Thursday.

It said that the country is on course for its driest July since records began nearly 190 years ago.

It has received just eight per cent of its long-term average rainfall for the month, with just one day to go.

NRW added that the majority of rivers across Wales are running “exceptionally low”, including the Rivers Clwyd, Dyfi, Alyn, Clywedog, Dyfi, Conwy, Cleddau, Cothi, Teifi, Wye and Usk.

The group had already announced a drought across north Wales, and parts of mid Wales, last week.

A large part of the River Ebbw’s riverbed has been exposed by the drought (Natural Resources Wales)

“The intensity of the heat and the exceptional lack of rainfall means this is a rapidly changing picture in Wales,” NRW’s sustainable water and nature manager Rhian Thomas said.

“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.”

The dry conditions are leading to river beds drying out, distressing fish, causing algal blooms, and raising concerns from farmers about crop growth, NRW said.

Swathes of England have also been declared as being in drought (PA)

It added that there are also concerns about grazing conditions and levels of drinking water for livestock.

NRW said that it declared drought when a combination of indicators shows a significant shortage of rainfall and water availability, affecting rivers, groundwater, agriculture, natural systems and land management.

Drought status was also declared for many areas of England on Wednesday.

NRW said that it is liaising with the Environment Agency on the rivers Wye, Severn and Dee, which cross the border between the two countries, “to ensure we have a full picture of river health”.

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