As Wales experiences another spell of hot, dry weather, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that trigger thresholds have been met to move south east Wales into drought status.

The decision was shared with a meeting of the Welsh Government’s Drought Liaison Group this afternoon (Thursday August 14),

The rest of Wales remains in prolonged dry weather status, but teams from NRW continue to monitor river flows, groundwater levels and impacts on the environment, land, agriculture and other sectors closely.

The areas affected by the move to drought status include:

While public drinking water supplies remain safe, people and businesses are advised to follow advice from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy, and use water wisely this summer to help ease pressures on the environment as well as water supplies.

Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager said the current six-month period is the driest for almost 50 years.

“The weather we’ve seen this spring/summer has been exceptional, with Wales recording the driest six-month period since the drought of 1976,” she said.”

“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.”

While some parts of Wales saw some respite from the dry weather in June, July saw the return of the hot, dry weather with south east Wales only receiving 53% of the monthly average rainfall.

The watchdog says Wales so far this year has received 555mm rainfall (Jan to July 2025), which is almost as dry as conditions in 2022, where the whole of Wales was placed into drought status by September.

The majority of river flows across Wales are therefore low or exceptionally low, as are groundwater levels.

Rhian added:

“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.”