Parts of Wales declared in drought following driest six-month period in nearly 50 years
Parts of Wales declared in drought following driest six-month period in nearly 50 years
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South east Wales has officially been moved into drought status after Natural Resources Wales (NRW) confirmed that trigger thresholds have been met, following months of hot, dry weather and below-average rainfall.
The announcement was made at a meeting of the Welsh Government’s Drought Liaison Group on Friday, with NRW citing “sustained pressures” from high temperatures and prolonged dry conditions across the region.
Other parts of Wales remain in prolonged dry weather status, but NRW teams are continuing to monitor river flows, groundwater levels, and environmental impacts across the country.
Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at NRW, said the scale of the dry spell is unprecedented in recent decades.
“The weather we’ve seen this spring/summer has been exceptional, with Wales recording the driest six-month period since the drought of 1976.
“The lack of significant rainfall has taken its toll on the environment, and we are receiving reports of low flows and dry riverbeds in some locations, low groundwater levels as well as reports of fish in distress and algal blooms.
“Catchments in south east Wales have been particularly impacted, with rivers receiving very little rainfall in recent months, and the Usk and Wye recording persistently high river temperatures which can threaten fish populations.
“As the area enters into a state of drought, we will step up actions in line with NRW’s Drought Plan.”
Public drinking water supplies remain safe, but households and businesses are being urged to follow advice from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy to use water wisely through the summer. NRW warned that the situation places pressure not only on ecosystems but also on land management, farming, tree planting, navigation and recreation.
Farmers in the region have already reported the need to secure alternative livestock watering supplies and to provide supplementary feed because of reduced grass growth and the loss of recently planted trees. Private water supplies in some areas have also dried up.
The move to drought status covers:
Wye (Wales)
Usk
Valleys (Taff, Ebbw, Rhymney, Ely, Llwyd & Rhondda)
Vale of Glamorgan (Thaw & Cadoxton)
While June brought a short period of relief, July saw a return to hot, dry conditions. South east Wales recorded just 53% of its average monthly rainfall. Across the whole of Wales, February to July was the 16th driest in the past 190 years, and the driest since 1976.
So far this year, Wales has received 555mm of rainfall between January and July 2025, close to the extreme dryness of 2022, when the entire country was placed into drought status by September.
As a result, the majority of river flows across Wales are currently classed as low or exceptionally low, with groundwater levels also well below average.
Rhian Thomas added that recovery will be a long process even if rainfall returns soon.
“After such an exceptionally dry start to the year, it is going to take considerable time for rivers, ground waters and soils to recover – even if we start to see some rain in the forecast.
“While many people are enjoying the summer holidays, we’re urging people to be mindful about their water use and consider how they can conserve water at home and in work. You can find the latest advice on the Waterwise website.
“We also urge people who may be out and about enjoying the environment to report any emerging environmental concerns – such as fish in distress, dry river beds or pollution – via our incident form or by calling our incident hotline on 03000 65 3000.”
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