23 July 2026
Drought has been declared in two areas of Wales and part of England, following record dry conditions, heatwaves, wildfires and dwindling rivers.
Dr Jess Neumann provides expert comment. For interviews, contact the University of Reading Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@reading.ac.uk.
"Today's drought declaration by Natural Resources Wales reflects the cumulative effects of months of below-average rainfall, rather than just recent warm weather.
"With pressure growing on water supplies, agriculture and freshwater habitats across much of the UK, this is a stark reminder that the water we rely on is a finite resource.
"Today's declaration should be seen not only as a response to current conditions, but as a signal of the need to build greater resilience into our water systems. That means reducing leakage, improving water efficiency, restoring healthy catchments and planning for floods and droughts together, because these extremes are increasingly two sides of the same climate challenge."
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