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Wales Faces Driest July in 190 Years
24 Jul
Summary
- Wales is experiencing its driest July in nearly 190 years.
- North Wales and Upper Severn are first UK areas in drought this year.
- Farmers invest in reservoirs to adapt to increasingly dry summers.
July is shaping up to be the driest month in Wales in almost 190 years. Consequently, North Wales and the Upper Severn catchment have become the first areas in the UK to be officially declared in drought this year. These regions have experienced less than 2% of their usual rainfall for the month so far.
Natural Resources Wales reports that river levels are nearing historic lows following a series of heatwaves, leading to adverse effects on wildlife and soil. In response to the prolonged dry weather, some farmers and growers in areas like South East England are proactively investing in adaptation measures. For instance, one company has invested a million pounds in a new reservoir to capture rainwater and recycled water, with plans for further storage solutions for winter rainfall.
A separate study highlights that farms, particularly dairy farms in Pembrokeshire, contribute to phosphorus pollution in waterways due to over-reliance on fertilizers and processed feed. Researchers are now assisting these farmers in calculating their 'nutrient footprint' to mitigate the environmental impact and potentially save costs.
