After a series of record-breaking heatwaves and extended periods of hot and dry weather this spring/summer, the environment is starting to show signs of strain, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
NRW has confirmed today (16 July 2026) that the worst affected areas – in north and south east Wales – will move from ‘normal’ to ‘prolonged dry weather’ status.
The decision is based on hydrological and environmental factors and concerns around the pressures high temperatures and lack of significant rainfall has placed on rivers, groundwater levels, fisheries, wildlife, land management and the wider natural environment.
So far, Wales has only received 5% of the expected rainfall for July, with the current hot, dry weather expected to continue into next week.
