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Natural resources

Drought Declared in North Wales Amid Environmental Impacts and Record-Breaking Temperatures

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A prolonged drought in Wales has led to a declaration of drought status in more areas of the country, including north Wales, despite recent rainfall. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has upgraded north Wales to drought status due to reports of streams drying up, "fish in distress", and other environmental impacts. The move comes after south east Wales was moved into drought status earlier this month. The extended hot and dry weather this spring and summer has significantly impacted Wales' rivers, groundwaters, land, and wildlife.

Key Takeaways:

  • North Wales has been declared drought status by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) due to reports of streams drying up, "fish in distress", and other environmental impacts.
  • The decision was made after south east Wales was moved into drought status earlier this month, following the extended hot and dry weather this spring and summer.
  • The NRW said that despite the recent rainfall, trigger levels have been met to move north Wales into drought status.
  • The areas affected by the transition to drought status include Dee Wales, Upper Severn, North Gwynedd, Conwy, Anglesey, Arfon, Dwyfor, South Gwynedd, Meirionydd, and Clywd.
  • The February-July period has ranked as the 16th driest in 190 years, and the driest since 1976, with Wales having recorded only 22.43% of the monthly average rainfall as of August 26.
  • Most river flows across Wales are low or exceptionally low, and groundwater levels are also low.
  • Climate change is expected to lead to drier summers and more frequent and intense extreme weather events in the UK.
  • People are urged to think carefully about their own water usage to protect supplies for the environment as well as public water supplies.
  • Essential water supplies remain safe, although water companies are advising people to use water wisely and report environmental incidents caused by the drought.

Statistics:

  • 29.1C: The record-breaking temperature in Hawarden, Flintshire, on the August bank holiday weekend.
  • 555mm: The total rainfall recorded in Wales from January to July 2025, which is nearly as dry as conditions in 2022.
  • 22.43%: The percentage of the monthly average rainfall received by Wales as of August 26.
  • 6 months: The period between February and July that was the driest since the drought of 1976.
  • 190 years: The length of time for which the February-July period has ranked as the 16th driest.

Sources:

  • "Natural Resources Wales" - [NRW website](https://www.naturalresources.wales/)
  • "North Wales Live" - [North Wales Live website](https://www.northwaleslive.co.uk/)
  • "Met Office" - [Met Office website](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/)
  • "DwÍr Cymru Welsh Water" - [DwÍr Cymru Welsh Water website](https://www.dwrcymru.com/)
  • "Hafren Dyfrdwy" - [Hafren Dyfrdwy website](https://www hafrendyfrdwy.com/)

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