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A drought has been declared in south-east Wales following recent dry weather, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has announced.

The area affected includes all of Caerphilly County Borough, and stretches from the Rhondda and Taff valleys, down to the Vale of Glamorgan, and across to Monmouthshire.

The decision to declare drought follows NRW’s meeting with the Welsh Government’s Drought Liaison Group on Thursday August 14, and comes after low rainfall and high temperatures.

The rest of Wales remains in ‘prolonged dry weather status’, but NRW said it continues to monitor river flows, groundwater levels and impacts on the environment, land, agriculture and other sectors closely.

Public drinking water supplies remain safe, NRW confirmed, but urged people and businesses to follow advice from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and use water “wisely” this summer.

Rhian Thomas, sustainable water and nature manager at NRW, said: “The weather we’ve seen this spring and summer has been exceptional, with Wales recording the driest six-month period since the drought of 1976.

“The lack of significant rainfall has taken its toll on the environment, and we are receiving reports of low flows and dry riverbeds in some locations, and low groundwater levels – as well as reports of fish in distress and algal blooms.

“Catchments in south-east Wales have been particularly impacted, with rivers receiving very little rainfall in recent months, and the Usk and Wye recording persistently high river temperatures which can threaten fish populations.

“As the area enters into a state of drought, we will step up actions in line with NRW’s Drought Plan.”

In July, south-east Wales received only 53% of the monthly average rainfall.

Meanwhile, the period between February and July this year was the driest period since 1976 across Wales – and the 16th driest in 190 years.

Between January and July this year, Wales received just 555mm of rainfall, resulting in low river flows and groundwater levels.

Ms Thomas warned: “After such an exceptionally dry start to the year, it is going to take considerable time for rivers, groundwaters and soils to recover – even if we start to see some rain in the forecast.”