Millions of people are feeling the effects of a record-setting heat wave stretching from Texas to the northern Plains that is forecast to last into next week. Such extreme heat can be dangerous ─ even deadly ─ and the American Red Cross urges everyone to not overlook this invisible danger and take these three critical steps:
- Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
- Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.
- Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.
The Red Cross is monitoring this early heat wave and may support cooling centers in some areas if necessary. Because this extreme heat is happening so early in the year, the National Weather Service warns that the risk for heat-related illness could increase for people without a way to cool their homes. Also, there will be little relief from the heat overnight will temperatures only dipping into the 70s.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Look out for loved ones and neighbors during this extreme heat ─ send a text, make a call or knock on their door. Especially at risk are older adults, children, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions or disabilities, outdoor workers, athletes and people without air conditioning.
Remind everyone to drink water, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Encourage them to avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. Babies should be breast-fed or bottle-fed often. Fewer wet diapers or darker urine can be signs of dehydration. Encourage athletes and outdoor workers to take breaks in the shade. They should drink a cup of water every 20 minutes and take frequent water breaks.
Help those without air conditioning find a safe place to go like a mall, library or cooling center. They can sit in the shade outside or take cool showers or baths to help cool off. Remind people to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors.
Never leave a child or pet alone inside a parked car, and make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.
HEAT ILLNESS It’s critical to act fast if someone has become ill because of the heat.
Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Have the person stop what they’re doing, rest in a cool place and slowly sip water. If they feel sick, don’t give them anything to drink and get medical help if cramps last over an hour or they have heart problems.
Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Have the person stop what they’re doing, rest in a cool place and slowly sip water. If they feel sick, don’t give them anything to drink. Loosen their clothes and place cool wet cloth on their body. Get medical help if they don’t feel better, vomit or have heart problems.
Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911. Move the person to a cool place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. Don’t give them anything to drink.
IF THE POWER GOES OUT When a heat wave and a power outage happen at the same time, it can be even more dangerous. Stay in air conditioning either at home or at a mall, library or cooling center. If you need to keep medicine cold or use medical devices that need power, talk to your doctor about a backup plan. Keep an ice-filled cooler stocked with food, water and medicine, so that they don’t spoil. More information is available here.
Finally, download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and heat safety information. Content is available in English and Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find both apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
CLIMATE CRISIS As part of a years-long trend, extreme heat is happening more often, lasting longer and becoming more intense. Heat Action Day 2025 is on June 2, 2025, a global event hosted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).