Wildfires and record dry conditions trigger drought in parts of Wales
Natural Resources Wales has officially declared a drought in parts of Wales following record-low rainfall and consecutive heatwaves. The status triggers enhanced monitoring of waterways and impacts on farming and wildlife.
Why it matters
The declaration underscores the growing impact of climate change on regional water security and agricultural stability in the UK.
Image source, Janey Liz/Weather Watchers Image caption, Wales is the first part of the UK to face an announcement of drought status so far this summer
Widespread wildfires, river levels approaching all-time lows and the mounting impacts of successive heatwaves have triggered a drought status for parts of Wales, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed.
Wales has seen about 5% of the average rainfall for July, after a series of back-to-back heatwaves and a drier than usual April to June.
Afonydd Cymru, which represents Wales' rivers trusts, said low river flows were causing "significant problems", killing fish and other wildlife, while farming unions warned of failing crops and heat-stressed livestock.
NRW said the areas affected included North and South Gwynedd, Ynys Môn, also known as Anglesey, Dee, Clwyd and Upper Severn.
It is the first part of the UK to face an announcement of drought status so far this summer.
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