Drought declared across the whole of Wales - as July on course to be driest in 190 years

Drought has been declared across the whole of Wales, with this July on course to be the driest in the country since records began.

Announcing the change in status, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said that the country had seen just 8% of its long-term average rainfall throughout the month - with no significant amount since 6 July.

The Welsh government's environmental agency added that the majority of rivers across Wales - including the River Wye and River Clwyd - are exceptionally low.

It follows last week's announcement that North Wales and the Upper Severn area were the first parts of the UK to be in drought this year.

And on Wednesday, the Environment Agency said seven areas of England were now officially in drought.

Rhian Thomas, sustainable water and nature manager at NRW, said that the "intensity of the heat and the exceptional lack of rainfall means this is a rapidly changing picture in 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."

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Ms Thomas added that "the extreme weather patterns we've seen over the last 12 months are a stark example of the impacts of climate change here in Wales and the UK".

She said that NRW was "already planning for these kinds of events to become more frequent, with hotter, drier summers and wetter winters predicted to become the norm".

NRW added it has seen increasing reports of wide-reaching impacts to the environment - including drying riverbeds, fish in distress, algal blooms, continued wildfire risk and concerns from the agricultural community about crop growth, grazing conditions and water availability for livestock.

The UK has seen four heatwaves since the spring, with record high temperatures in both May and June, and followed last year's drought summer.

As a result, multiple wildfires have been recorded across the UK, with two major incidents recorded in Rhinogydd and Blaenavon.

It comes as the National Trust called for urgent adaptation to climate extremes in the wake of 200 wildfires in the past two weeks.

Hilary McGrady, director-general at the charity, said: "We've all been watching in horror as our neighbours in Europe are battling the most extreme fires.

"Fires like these might once have seemed unthinkable in Europe and the UK - but that certainty is gone."

(c) Sky News 2026: Drought declared across the whole of Wales - as July on course to be driest in 190 years