Published • loading... • Updated
Drought declared across the whole of Wales - as July on course to be driest in 190 years
NRW said 8% of Wales’s usual July rainfall has left rivers exceptionally low and raised wildfire and farming concerns.
- On Thursday, July 30, 2026, Natural Resources Wales declared a drought across the whole of Wales, expanding the status from previous alerts issued for north Wales and the Upper Severn.
- Wales received just 8% of its long-term average rainfall in July, putting the nation on course for its driest July since records began 190 years ago.
- Rivers including the Wye, Severn, and Usk are at exceptionally low levels, while wildfires have devastated forestry and grassland; farmers report concerns regarding crop growth and livestock water availability.
- Sustainable Water and Nature Manager Rhian Thomas urged the public to conserve water, stating, "Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most."
- Officials warn that hotter, drier summers may become the norm, with little rain forecast and further heatwaves anticipated, requiring long-term planning for wildfire risks and pest management.
Insights by Ground AI
30 Articles
30 Articles
·Amsterdam, Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
Read Full Article
Evening StandardReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Whole of Wales in drought as UK battles heat, wildfires and extreme dry weather
Human-caused climate change is making heatwaves and drought more likely and intense.
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources30
Leaning Left3Leaning Right5Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution65% Center
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources are Center
65% Center
13%
C 65%
R 22%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
