Drought declared across whole of Wales as conditions 'deteriorate'

A drought has been extended to all of Wales due to deteriorating natural conditions, according to the country's environmental agency, Natural Resources Wales (NRW). This comes as Wales is on track for its driest July on record in the past 190 years. The decision to declare the drought was made after considering factors such as record-low river levels, dry soils, widespread wildfires, and negative impacts on wildlife, farming, and forestry.

The prolonged dry weather has led to a number of wildfires across Wales, including one in the Rhinogydd mountains that could be seen from space. Farmers are being forced to make tough decisions, such as selling livestock or selling their farms altogether, due to the lack of grazing land. Rhian Thomas, from NRW, emphasized the clear signs of the dry weather's impact on the natural environment, including drying riverbeds, distressed fish, algae accumulation, wildfire risk, and declining water availability for livestock.

NRW is closely monitoring forecasts and river flows, urging people to use water wisely as there are no indications of significant rainfall in the near future and risks of additional heatwaves over the summer.