An extended period without rain has resulted in drought being declared across the entire nation.
Natural Resources Wales issued the announcement on Thursday 30 July, with the expanded drought classification now covering the whole of Wales.
The move follows measurements showing just eight per cent of Wales’ typical July rainfall has been recorded so far this month, placing the country on course for its driest July since records began 190 years ago.
NRW initially triggered drought status in north Wales and the Upper Severn region the previous week after environmental benchmarks were satisfied.
Rhian Thomas, sustainable water and nature manager at NRW, explained that the combination of intense heat and exceptional absence of precipitation meant the situation in Wales was evolving quickly.
Staff are keeping close watch on weather predictions and river flow data while tackling mounting environmental concerns and incidents throughout Wales, she indicated.
Nationwide, water levels in rivers have declined sharply, with underground water stores also sitting below typical seasonal averages.
The extended dry spell is significantly affecting natural habitats, farming, and drinking water supplies.
The damage to ecosystems, countryside and agriculture is evident, with numerous teams still managing the consequences of large-scale wildfires that have destroyed woodland, grassland and designated habitats, Ms Thomas noted.
She called on residents to reduce water consumption, pointing out that with meteorological projections offering little sign of substantial rainfall and further heatwaves possible throughout summer, everyone must use water more carefully.
Each litre wasted represents less water available for rivers and wildlife when they need it most, she added.
Incidents reported to NRW encompass dried river channels, algal outbreaks, fish under stress, and persistent wildfire danger.
The agricultural sector has also expressed worry about crop development, pasture conditions and drinking water supplies for animals.
To assist river ecosystems and fishing stocks, supplementary releases from reservoirs have been sanctioned in certain areas.
Water abstraction restrictions remain active and are being administered in line with NRW’s Drought Plan.
A drought classification is applied by NRW when data indicates a considerable and persistent deficit in precipitation and water reserves that impacts rivers, groundwater, land usage and ecosystems.
Water utilities apply distinct measures and thresholds for drought declarations connected to public water provision.
NRW’s drought response teams are convening frequently and have intensified surveillance throughout Wales.
Ms Thomas observed that the extreme weather patterns experienced over recent months illustrate the tangible effects of climate change in Wales and across the United Kingdom.
The organisation is already preparing for such events to occur more regularly, with hotter, drier summers and wetter winters anticipated to become standard, she continued.
This encompasses long-term drought preparation, flood risk strategies and how land management can build greater resilience against wildfire and pest threats in future.
NRW is maintaining close coordination with water companies, the Welsh Government, the Environment Agency and the Wales Drought Liaison Group to unify its response.
Given that drought status has also been triggered across numerous English regions, NRW is engaging with the Environment Agency regarding the cross-border rivers Wye, Severn and Dee.
People are being urged to exercise additional caution when using outdoor spaces to minimise wildfire risk and shield struggling ecosystems.
Fires in the countryside should be reported immediately by dialling 999, while environmental emergencies can be notified to NRW’s round-the-clock helpline on 0300 065 3000.
A fresh initiative called Let’s Save Water was introduced last month throughout England and Wales to promote water preservation during the current drought.
Guidance and resources can be found at www.letssavewater.cymru.