Drought status lifted after rainy September

River flows and groundwaters will need enough rain throughout autumn to recover before spring

Drought status has been lifted in Wales after a rainy September, with many rivers back to the normal levels for the time of year.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) declared drought in south-east Wales and parts north Wales in August after the driest period since 1976.

But these areas have since been moved into drought recovery status, although some border areas in England remain in drought, NRW said.

Dr Rhian Thomas, sustainable water and nature manager from NRW said: "It is likely that it will take many months for our environment to fully recover from the effects of the drought."

South-west Wales moved into prolonged dry weather status on 22 May, and has now moved into recovery from prolonged dry weather status.

NRW said its teams would continue to monitor river flows, as well as groundwaters which respond to rainfall more slowly.

Groundwaters remain a concern, with some still exceptionally low for the time of year, it added.

Dr Thomas said: "Sufficient rainfall throughout the autumn will now be essential for river flows and groundwaters to fully recover before next spring.

"While September has brought some significant rainfall – even leading to flood warnings and surface water flooding incidents – in some areas we are still seeing rivers regressing back after the rainfall has landed.

"This is a sign of the extreme pressure our environment has been under during this exceptionally dry period."