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Drought declared across whole of Wales as conditions 'deteriorate'
A drought has been declared across the whole of Wales after sustained high temperatures caused conditions to deteriorate. The announcement comes in response to record-low river levels, dry soils and widespread wildfires, with impacts on wildlife, farming and forestry. The move will trigger more monitoring and stronger public advice on water use, though there is no current threat to supplies for homes and businesses.
live·opened Aug 3, 2026·6 source items·0 in 24h·0/0 graded·run a5e73c3f
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- Climate crisis | The GuardianAug 12, 2026 · rssThe Guardian view on wildfires: firefighters can’t handle this crisis alone | Editorial. <p>The response to this summer’s record heat and drought should be led by ministers – not left to the emergency services</p><p>The wildfire that began on protected heathland in the New Forest in Hampshire on Sunday was reported to be <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clye8l9422no">under control</a>
- Climate crisis | The GuardianAug 3, 2026 · rssJuly was driest month in southern England since records began. <p>England and Wales provisionally record driest July in nearly 200 years, Met Office says</p><p>July 2026 was the driest month in southern England since records began nearly 200 years ago, the Met Office has said.</p><p>England and Wales also provisionally recorded their driest July since records began in 1836. Wales had its joint war
- Climate crisis | The GuardianAug 3, 2026 · rss‘We cannot magic up more water’: the supply problems putting housing targets in England at risk. <p>Council leaders say crumbling infrastructure and lack of water are jeopardising government’s plans for new homes</p><p>The government’s housebuilding agenda is hitting the stark reality of a lack of water and crumbling infrastructure across the east and south-east of England.</p><p>Half the country
- BBC NewsAug 3, 2026 · rssEngland and Wales on course for driest July on record. Met Office records indicate England and Wales are likely to have had their driest July since records began 190 years ago.
- Climate crisis | The GuardianAug 3, 2026 · rssRelentless UK heatwaves turn ‘green and pleasant land’ brown. <p>Visible impact of warming climate is impossible to ignore across landscapes that have been starved of rainfall</p><p>Half of England and the whole of Wales are officially in drought and July is set to be the driest month on record as extreme heat intensified by the climate crisis continues to grip the UK and Europe this summer.</p><p
- BBC NewsAug 3, 2026 · rssDrought declared across whole of Wales as conditions 'deteriorate'. Wales is on course for its driest July on record in almost 190 years.