Natural Resources Wales has extended drought status across the whole of Wales, with the Rivers Wye and Usk among those experiencing exceptionally low levels.

The announcement comes after a prolonged period of hot, dry weather, with NRW warning that the impact on the environment, agriculture and land is becoming increasingly clear.

Updated figures show Wales has received just 8 per cent of its long-term average rainfall for July – which is on course to become the driest July since records began 190 years ago.

NRW said rivers including the Wye, Usk, Clywedog, Dyfi, Teifi and Cothi are now “exceptionally low”, while groundwater levels are continuing to fall.

The organisation said its teams are responding to reports of drying riverbeds, fish in distress, algal blooms, continued wildfire risks and concerns among farmers about crop growth, grazing conditions and water availability for livestock.

Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at NRW, said: “The toll on the environment, our land and agriculture is clear to see, with many of our teams still dealing with the aftermath of extensive wildfires which have devastated forestry, grassland and special habitats.”

She added that there were no strong indications of significant rainfall in forecasts and urged people to use water wisely.

“Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most,” she said.

NRW said regulation releases, including reservoir releases, were being made in some locations to support river ecosystems and fisheries, while abstraction controls and drought response measures remained in place.

The drought declaration covers environmental conditions rather than public water supply, with water companies having their own triggers and definitions.

NRW is also working with the Environment Agency on cross-border rivers including the Wye and Severn following drought status being announced in many parts of England.

People visiting the countryside are being urged to take extra care to prevent fires, with anyone spotting a wildfire asked to move to safety and call 999.