Natural Resources Wales declares prolonged dry weather

Powys County Times

23-05-2025

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has declared a 'prolonged dry weather' status across the country.
This comes after an extended period of warm and dry weather, with the trigger thresholds being met on Thursday, May 22.
The decision is based on hydrological and environmental factors, with concerns about the impact of high temperatures and lack of significant rainfall on rivers, groundwater levels, wildlife, and the wider natural environment.
Prolonged dry weather is a natural event that has become more likely as climate change accelerates.
It occurs when rainfall is lower than expected for a sustained period, resulting in low river, reservoir, and groundwater levels, as well as the drying up of land and soils.
March was' exceptionally dry', being the driest since 1944, and although April saw some notable rainfall in parts of Wales, warm dry conditions returned in May.
The three-month cumulative Wales rainfall for February to April was 59 per cent of that expected for this time of the year, making it one of the driest three-month periods on record.
As a result, teams across NRW are reporting that the majority of river flows are currently low or exceptionally low.
Groundwater monitoring also confirms levels receding earlier than would usually be expected in the year.
There are concerns about the impact of the prolonged dry weather on the environment, with reports of dry riverbeds, algal blooms, and concerns for salmon smolt and fish migration in low flows.
In recent weeks, wildfires have intensified in many areas of Wales, and NRW officers are providing ongoing support to fire and rescue services to tackle multiple grass and wildfire incidents on the land that it manages.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy are reporting that some water levels in reservoirs are below where they would usually be at this time of year.
NRW fully supports their advice for people across the country to use water wisely and help to protect water supplies and the environment.
Rhian Thomas, sustainable water and nature manager at NRW, said: "While there is some welcome rain forecast for the weekend and into next week, it will take time and more significant rainfall for river and reservoir levels to recover from this prolonged hot and dry spell.
"Such a dry start to the year is causing considerable concern for the health of our ecosystems and habitats, as well as for land management and the 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."
NRW's decision to declare prolonged dry weather status was shared with the Wales Drought Liaison Group on May 22.
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.
NRW is engaging closely with the Environment Agency in respect to the cross border catchments.
When enjoying the outdoors, people are asked to be mindful that wildlife and ecosystems are under more stress.
Members of the public should report any environment incidents to the 24/7 hotline on 0300 065 3000.
Some areas may also be at a higher risk of fires. If you see a wildfire, get to a safe place, call 999 and ask for the fire service.
For advice about dry weather and agricultural practices, people can visit the Natural Resources Wales website.
Waterwise's website provides details on how to use water wisely.