There is some rain forecast this weekend, but Wales is currently seeing the driest period of weather for more than 40 years. While in England, certain parts are recording the driest for more than a century.
As a result, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said it is dealing with "a number of concerns", and Welsh Water said there is " concern about the situation" in Pembrokeshire, with customers there being urged to use less water. Wales has seen only 62% of its average rainfall between March and June. This, coupled with the recent heatwave, has led to extremely low river flows and to some drying up completely.
Welsh weather forecaster Derek Brockway says that, apart from February, every month so far this year has been drier than average, and in some places like Anglesey are on track for the second driest July on record. And NRW says that with "no significant" rain in the forecast, rivers are expected to recede further.
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Rivers with low flows and high temperatures increase levels of stress to fish populations, leading to NRW’s recent call to freshwater anglers to take extra care while fishing to help safeguard declining fish numbers.
NRW officers have also been dealing with instances of wildfires, particularly a recent incident on the Coedydd Rheidiol Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in mid Wales that affected several hectares of land. NRW and Welsh Government (WG) also attended the national drought group for England to address any cross-border concerns.
Some water companies in England are warning they will have to implement drought measures if the conditions continue and there is not average or above-average rain in coming weeks. Southern Water imposed the first hosepipe ban in mainland England for a decade on Friday, with almost 1 million people forced to limit their water usage from August 5. Hours later, Thames Water warned it may have to follow suit if the weather remains dry.
But the prolonged dry weather is affecting England and Wales differently. Much of Wales’ water comes from surface water sources, whereas parts of England largely collect from groundwater.
A spokesman for NRW said: "Despite similar concerns on both sides of the border, these will develop differently and on different timescales depending on how the situation develops. Currently the potential concerns in Wales are the dry weathers’ effects on the environment, agriculture, land management and water supply chains."
There is not much rain in the forecast:
Natalie Hall, sustainable water manager for NRW, explained: "Prolonged periods of dry weather can impact some of our most precious habitats and species. This can also impact on sectors such as agriculture, put a strain on the water supply system and affect people's wellbeing.
“Our teams have been monitoring and responding to incidents whilst working with other regulators WG, water companies, navigation authorities and other organisations in order to understand any emerging concerns and actions to be taken.
“The last four months have been the driest in almost 40 years, making water a precious resource. We’re urging the public to save water where possible. For advice on this visit your water company’s websites or Waterwise. Remember to report any incidents to our 24-hour hotline on 0300 065 3000.”
Welsh Water, which has three million customers across Wales, said water resources across the majority of Wales are in a reasonably good position despite the exceptionally dry period.
A spokeswoman did say: "However, we do have a concern about the situation in Pembrokeshire where average rainfall has been a lot lower then across the rest of Wales. We are monitoring the situation very closely and communicating with customers there to urge them to use less water. The message is simple, use what you need but please don’t waste it."
The Met Office forecast for Wales is showing some rain on Saturday, saying: "A rather cloudy day, though mostly dry. Perhaps some light rain or drizzle developing at times, most likely over the higher ground and towards the coast. The best of any bright or sunny spells developing will be across the east."
There will be some "outbreaks of rain" on Sunday, but it will become drier and brighter as the day progresses.
The forecast for Monday to Wednesday says: "A changeable outlook. Increasing cloud through Monday, with the risk of rain moving in from the west. Wet and breezy on Tuesday. Turning fresher on Wednesday, with sunshine and showers."
The long-range forecast for next weekend then shows it drying up again. The forecast says: "This drier weather is likely to continue for many through the weekend and into the following week, with temperatures becoming near normal for many, perhaps warm or very warm in the south."
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