Wales has been moved to 'prolonged dry weather' status by Natural Resources Wales as the extended period of warm and dry weather continues. A change has been forecast for this week with some "unsettled weather", but there are concerns about "the pressures high temperatures and lack of significant rainfall has placed on rivers, groundwater levels, wildlife and the wider natural environment across Wales".
The agency has explained that "prolonged dry weather" is a natural event which has "become more likely as climate change accelerates". It occurs when rainfall is lower than expected for a sustained period of time resulting in low river, reservoir and groundwater levels as well as the drying up of land and soils. Last year, south-west Wales moved from "prolonged dry weather status" to "drought status" in August.
Despite recent rainfall triggered by summer thunderstorms in some parts of Wales, river flows across Wales are currently low for the time of year. NRW says that groundwater levels have also been receding, with some sites exceptionally low and soils drier than expected.
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In May, Wales received 41% of its long term average (LTA) rainfall (1981-2010) which was the second driest May in the last 25 years, with only 2020 drier. As of Monday, June 19, Wales has seen 32% of its LTA for June rainfall so far.
NRW is already dealing with the impacts of the prolonged dry weather on the environment, including reports of fish in distress, with some becoming trapped in pools in lower reaches due to low flows and higher river temperatures. NRW has already provided advice to anglers fishing during hot temperatures. There are also concerns for protected sites such as fens, peatlands, heath and grasslands which are home to many species.
Since the beginning of April this year South Wales Fire and Rescue Service alone has responded to almost 400 deliberate grass and wildfires. NRW says its officers are providing support to fire and rescue services to tackle multiple grass and wildfire incidents on the land that it manages. Prolonged dry weather can also impact crop and grass growth, and there is advice for farmers.
A statement said: "Following a wet winter, water companies are reporting that their reservoir levels are in a good place for the time of year. However, NRW fully supports their advice for people across the country to use water wisely and help to protect water supplies and the environment."
Natalie Hall, Sustainable Water Manager at NRW said: "The prolonged hot and dry spell has led to concerns about the impacts low rainfall, river and groundwater levels, as well as drying up of soils, are having on our ecosystems and habitats, land management and agricultural sector. As such, we have taken the decision to move the whole of Wales into prolonged dry weather status.
“For us, this means stepping up our actions and monitoring across Wales to help mitigate the impacts on the environment, land, water users and people, and responding to environmental incidents.
“Our drought teams will continue to meet regularly to review the status, and will work closely with our partners to ensure we take appropriate action to reduce impacts on the environment and other water users across Wales.
“To ensure water can continue to be supplied without damaging the environment, the public and businesses across Wales are being urged to use water wisely and manage this precious resource.”
NRW’s decision to declare prolonged dry weather status was shared with the Wales Drought Liaison Group on Monday (June 26). The group is chaired by the Welsh Government and made up of senior decision-makers from NRW, the Met Office, water companies, Public Health Wales, farming unions and local authority representatives.
The areas affected by change in status from normal to ‘prolonged dry weather’ are:
- Dee
- Upper Severn
- North Gwynedd (Conwy, Anglesey, Arfon, Dwyfor)
- South Gwynedd (Meirionydd)
- North Ceredigion (Rheidol, Aeron, Ystwyth)
- Teifi
- Pembrokeshire (E & W Cleddau)
- Carmarthen (Tywi, Taf)
- Swansea & Llanelli (Taw and Loughor)
- Neath Port Talbot & Bridgend (Neath, Afan and Ogmore)
- Wye (Wales)
- Usk
- Valleys (Taff, Ebbw, Rhymney, Ely)
- Vale of Glamorgan (Thaw)
People are being asked to be remember wildlife and ecosystems are under more stress when they are outdoors. Members of the public should report any environment incidents to the 24/7 hotline on 0300 065 3000.
