- Drought has been officially declared across the entirety of Wales, with this July on course to be the driest in 190 years, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
- The drought status, initially applied to North Wales and the Upper Severn last week, has now been extended nationwide due to continued low rainfall and high temperatures.
- The severe conditions are causing significant environmental impacts, including exceptionally low river levels, drying river beds, distressed fish, and the emergence of algal blooms.
- Farmers are expressing serious concerns regarding the effects on crop growth, grazing conditions, and the availability of drinking water for their livestock.
- Natural Resources Wales is closely monitoring the situation, noting the visible toll on the environment and agriculture, and urging the public to use water wisely given forecasts of continued dry weather and potential further heatwaves.
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