Drought status has been declared across North Wales by environmental officials, amid record-low river levels, successive heatwaves and wildfires.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says July is on course to become the driest on record in Wales for almost 190 years if significant rainfall does not arrive before the end of the month.

The drought status, declared on Thursday. includes the Anglesey, north and south Gwynedd areas.

Across the region, there has been just 2% of the expected rainfall so far this month - with no significant rainfall recorded in many areas since July 6th.

River flows across large parts of the North are now exceptionally low for the time of year, with some locations recording new monthly minimum flows and others approaching record lows.

NRW's monitoring also shows river flows across the affected catchments are exceptionally low, groundwater levels continue to fall, and river temperatures have been high.

Water companes say reservoir levels remain healthy overall, but NRW is encouraging people to use water wisely and that every drop saved helps reduce pressure on the environment during dry periods.

The dry conditions have also significantly increased wildfire risk with a number of major wildfires in recent weeks across the North, including at Pentrefelin near Holyhead and the Braichmelyn forest near Bethesda.

Rhian Thomas, sustainable water manager at NRW, said: "The prolonged period of hot, dry weather we have experienced this summer is now having serious impacts on the environment across parts of Wales."

"We have seen rivers fall to exceptionally low levels, groundwater continuing to decline, and increasing reports of environmental impacts affecting wildlife, fisheries, farming and sensitive habitats."

"The recent wildfires across North Wales...are one of the clearest and most visible signs of how dry our landscapes have become."

"Our teams continue to work closely with fire and rescue services, local partners and land managers to respond to these incidents and reduce risks where possible."

"While drought status does not automatically mean water shortages for customers, it does reflect the growing pressure being placed on our environment."

"We are asking everyone to play their part by using water wisely and helping to protect Wales' natural resources during this exceptionally dry period."

According to NRW, the long-range forecast suggests further dry weather over the coming week, with the possibility of additional hot spells later in the summer.

Without sustained and significant rainfall, the environmental body has warned that conditions could deteriorate further and additional catchments may move into drought status.