WASHINGTON, DC — The American Red Cross is sounding two alarms at once: dangerous heat is building across much of the country, and the group says the nation is facing only its second-ever blood supply crisis. The warning matters now because summer demand is high, donations are lagging and the hottest part of the season can be especially risky for vulnerable people.
The Red Cross says there are simple steps that can help, from staying hydrated to booking a blood donation appointment if you are eligible. It is also urging families to think about pets, outdoor workers and anyone who may have trouble keeping cool.
1. Heat is expected to spread across several major regions
The forecast behind the alert is broad: dangerous high temperatures are expected across the Plains, the Mississippi Valley and the Southeast. In the Desert Southwest, temperatures could climb to around 120 degrees by next weekend, which is about 12 degrees above normal for the area. The Red Cross says this kind of extreme heat is not just uncomfortable; it can quickly become dangerous and is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States.
2. The Red Cross says stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected
To help people get through the heat, the Red Cross recommends three basic habits: stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected. That means drinking enough water, finding air conditioning or other cooler places when possible, and checking in with friends, neighbors and relatives who may struggle in high temperatures. The group says it is monitoring conditions and stands ready to respond if needed, especially as temperatures rise in the days ahead.
3. Some people face a much higher risk of heat illness
The warning is especially important for older adults, children, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions or disabilities. The Red Cross also says some medications can make it harder for the body to handle heat, so people in that situation should ask a medical provider how to manage them during hot weather. Athletes, outdoor workers and people without air conditioning are also listed as higher-risk groups because they can overheat more quickly.
4. The nation is in a rare blood supply crisis
Alongside the heat alert, the Red Cross says donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, creating a shortage that could affect patients who need transfusions. The organization says this is only the second national blood supply crisis in its history. Even though thousands of people have stepped up to donate, hospital demand is still running higher during the summer trauma season, leaving the supply under pressure.
5. Heat, air quality and illness are making donations harder
The shortage is being made worse by several seasonal problems at once. The Red Cross says extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are all contributing to lower donor turnout this summer. That combination is straining the blood system just as patients across the country continue to need lifesaving transfusions. Eligible donors are being urged not to delay and to make an appointment now through RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
6. The Red Cross also wants people to think about pets and preparation
The advice goes beyond human health. The organization reminds people to look up heat safety steps for pets, since animals can also suffer when temperatures spike. It is part of a broader effort to get households ready before the hottest days arrive, especially in places where heat can build fast and linger. The Red Cross says planning ahead can make a major difference when dangerous weather settles in.
7. The organization says preparedness can help before emergencies strike
The Red Cross describes itself as a nonprofit that shelters and feeds disaster victims, provides about 40% of the nation’s blood, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports veterans, service members and their families. It says it depends on volunteers and public support to carry out that mission. The message behind this latest warning is straightforward: prepare now, donate if you can and know the signs of heat illness before you need them.
8. Why the warning feels urgent this week
This alert combines two pressures that can hit hard at the same time: dangerous weather and a shortage of a resource hospitals cannot replace on demand. The Red Cross says the heat itself can make people sick, while lower donor turnout can leave patients waiting for transfusions. That is why it is urging the public to take the temperature threat seriously and to help stabilize the blood supply if they are eligible to give.
