A drought has been officially declared across the whole of Wales, as the country tracks toward its driest July in 190 years. Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the nation's environment body, confirmed the expansion of the drought status on Thursday, following an earlier announcement last week that had already placed northern and parts of mid-Wales under the designation.
The decision to expand the drought nationwide follows a period of sustained high temperatures that have caused the natural environment to deteriorate. According to NRW, Wales has received only 8% of its long-term average rainfall for July, leaving most of the country's rivers at exceptionally low levels. Furthermore, groundwater levels are in decline, with some areas recording measurements lower than typically expected for this time of year.
Official reports from the environmental agency highlight wide-reaching impacts, including drying riverbeds, fish in distress, and the accumulation of algae. There is also growing concern regarding the increased risk of wildfires, as well as significant challenges for the farming and forestry sectors, specifically relating to crop growth, grazing conditions, and the availability of water for livestock.
While the declaration triggers enhanced monitoring of river systems and provides more stringent guidance to the public regarding water usage, it does not currently signal a threat to water supplies for businesses or households. Welsh water companies have indicated that reservoir levels remain stable, supported by a wet start to the year.
