Wales declares nationwide drought as July projected to be driest in 190 years

Wales is on track to record its driest July in almost 190 years, with the Met Office forecasting total rainfall for the month to fall well below the long‑term average. Early‑season data show only a fraction of the typical July precipitation, and the trend has already been confirmed by several local weather stations across the country. The forecast places July rainfall at roughly 30 % of the historical mean, a sharp drop from the 2019 record‑wet July that saw 200 mm of rain.

The dry spell is attributed to a persistent high‑pressure system that has kept moist air away from the region, a pattern that climate scientists link to the broader warming trend in the UK. The implications are already being felt: farmers are experiencing reduced soil moisture, and reservoirs in the South Wales valleys are recording lower levels than usual. Local authorities have warned that prolonged dryness could strain water supplies and increase the risk of fire in dry grassland areas.

As the month progresses, meteorologists will continue to monitor the situation and update forecasts. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has urged residents to conserve water and has activated contingency plans for drought‑prone sectors. The record‑dry July underscores the growing variability of the UK climate and the need for adaptive measures across agriculture and water management.