Wales begins drought recovery in south-west regions following rainfall

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has announced that parts of south-west Wales are beginning to recover from drought conditions as recent rainfall has brought river flows closer to seasonal norms. Consequently, south-west Wales is transitioning into ‘recovery from drought’ status.

However, drought status remains in effect for other regions, including north Wales, south-east Wales, and the upper Severn, where river levels remain unusually low. NRW will continue enhanced environmental monitoring in these areas. As of this week, Wales has received 78 per cent of its expected rainfall for the period.

The recent dry spell followed a period of intense heatwaves. According to the Met Office, the summer of 2026 was potentially the hottest on record, featuring the driest July in 190 years and the driest July-August period since 1976. Rhian Thomas of NRW noted that while the signs of recovery are promising, further rainfall throughout the autumn will be necessary for a full environmental recovery.