Wales has declared a drought across the entire country as prolonged high temperatures, record-low river levels and widespread wildfires intensify pressure on water supplies and the natural environment.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the country’s environmental agency, announced the nationwide drought on Thursday, saying conditions were continuing to deteriorate.
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The decision was driven by record-low river levels, extremely dry soils and the growing impact of the prolonged dry spell on wildlife, agriculture and forestry.
NRW said sustained high temperatures were causing the condition of the natural environment to “deteriorate,” with the effects of the dry weather becoming increasingly widespread.
The agency had already declared drought conditions in northern Wales and parts of mid Wales last week. Thursday’s announcement extends the designation across the whole country.
The nationwide declaration is expected to increase monitoring of rivers and water resources while prompting stronger guidance for the public on water use.
The move comes just one day after authorities declared drought conditions across around half of England following record-low rainfall and a prolonged period of high temperatures.
The increasingly widespread drought conditions have also coincided with a surge in wildfires across Britain, with fires burning in several areas as hot and dry conditions leave vegetation highly vulnerable to ignition.
The developments highlight growing pressure on water resources across the UK after an extended period of unusually dry and hot weather.
