Drought declared in parts of Wales as July on course to be driest in nearly 200 years

Government agency announces status in north Wales and Upper Severn after series of heatwaves and lack of rainfall

Parts of Wales are now in drought and all other areas of the country are experiencing prolonged dry weather conditions, according to a government agency.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said on Thursday that record-low river flows, back-to-back heatwaves and widespread wildfires have prompted the declaration of drought status in north Wales and the Upper Severn.