A look back at Newport drought of 1976 with archived pictures
The UK faces a growing drought threat. Following the driest spring in 132 years, parts of Yorkshire and the North West are already in drought status. Thames Water warns of hosepipe bans as demand surges and rainfall remains low. Without substantial rain, restrictions and crop losses are likely.
2nd September 1976 South Wales Argus paper (Image: South Wales Argus Archive) With this mind let's take a look back at one of the most severe droughts Newport faced in 1976
In the summer of 1976, South Wales, like much of the UK, was grippe Argus reported it as one of the longest heatwaves in living memory, triggering the most significant drought for at least the last 150 years.
From June through August, the skies withheld their usual downpours. Across England and Wales, there were 36 days without recorded rainfall. In south-east England, 1976 saw 36 days of zero average rainfall between June 1 and July 24, a stark contrast to more recent dry spells1. Temperatures soared past 32°C for 15 consecutive days somewhere in the UK, with peaks reaching 35.6°C in Southampton and 35.9°C in Cheltenham.
The effects rippled through South Wales. In Abercarn, fears mounted over the slurry pond at Chapel of Ease, which threatened to slip onto a nearby school. Councillor Bill Davies stood beside the slurry pond below Pantside tip, held back only by sandbags, a vivid image of the community's vulnerability.
The drought wasn't just about parched lawns and sunburnt afternoons. It was a test of resilience. Lord Nugent, chairman of the National Water Council, launched the Save Water campaign on August 31, urging the public to conserve every drop. Sunshine hours in June 1976 averaged 207.4 across the UK, making it slightly sunnier than June 2022, though both were outshone by June 2018.
The River Thames pictured on August 17 1976 (Image: PA media) For those who lived through it, 1976 wasn't just hot, it was historic. It was the summer when rivers ran low, reservoirs cracked, and communities came together under a blazing sun. And while newer generations may marvel at recent heatwaves, those who remember 1976 know that it set the benchmark for what a true drought feels like.
While the broader UK drought picture is concerning, Newport and the South Wales region are currently not under drought conditions. According to the Welsh Government, water resources across Wales, including Gwent are within expected ranges for this time of year, and there are no significant concerns about prolonged dry weather or impacts to supply.
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