Wales declares drought as 190-year rainfall record exposes climate pressures

Wales has officially entered drought conditions after experiencing its driest July in nearly two centuries of weather records, with authorities warning of mounting pressure on rivers, wildlife and water supplies, Nation.Cymru reports.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) announced the drought status following a month of extreme heat and exceptionally low rainfall. Data showed that Wales received only 8% of its average July rainfall, making it the driest July recorded in the agency’s 190-year climate record.

"Intense heat and exceptional lack of rainfall mean the situation in Wales is changing rapidly," said Ryan Thomas, NRW’s Sustainable Water and Nature Manager. She said teams were closely monitoring forecasts, water levels and emerging environmental risks.

NRW said it had received a growing number of reports of ecological damage, including reduced river flows, threats to fish populations, increased algae growth and a heightened risk of wildfires.

The agency is taking measures to protect water resources, including controlled releases from reservoirs and restrictions on water abstraction to maintain river levels and safeguard ecosystems.

Officials warned that forecasts currently offer little prospect of significant rainfall, while the possibility of further heatwaves remains. NRW urged households and businesses to reduce unnecessary water use.

"Every litre we waste is water that our rivers and wildlife do not have when they need it most," Thomas said.

The drought declaration is based on a combination of factors, including rainfall deficits, water availability, river conditions, groundwater levels and impacts on agriculture and natural habitats.

NRW said the prolonged period of extreme weather highlights the growing impact of climate change, adding that future planning must take into account a pattern of hotter, drier summers and wetter winters becoming increasingly common.

By Aghakazim Guliyev