Drought declared across whole of Wales as conditions 'deteriorate'

A drought has been extended across the whole of Wales with the country on course for its driest July on record in 190 years.

Declaring the drought, the country's environment body Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said sustained high temperatures were causing the condition of the natural environment to "deteriorate".

The decision has been made in response to record-low river levels, dry soils, widespread wildfires and mounting impacts on wildlife, farming and forestry.

NRW had already announced a drought across the north and parts of mid Wales last week.

The nationwide announcement made on Thursday will trigger more monitoring of rivers and stronger advice for the public on use of water.

The declaration of a drought does not mean there is currently a threat to water supplies for homes and businesses, with Welsh water companies saying reservoir levels are holding up after a wet start to the year.

NRW said figures had shown Wales had received 8% of its long-term average rainfall for July, with most rivers in the country "exceptionally low".

Groundwater levels are also falling in Wales, with some lower than expected for the time of year.

The environmental body said its teams were dealing with reports of "wide-reaching impacts to the environment", and that "conditions across Wales' natural environment have continued to deteriorate".

This includes drying riverbeds, fish in distress, an accumulation of algae, wildfire risk and concern from farmers about crop growth, grazing conditions and water availability for livestock.