German Red Cross blood supplies strained by heat wave

A recent heat wave has cut blood donations in the German Red Cross's West region by up to 40 percent, leaving blood stocks under pressure. The service warns that the next wave of high temperatures expected in early July could worsen the shortfall.

In the North‑East, donations fell by roughly a quarter, putting the supply of key blood groups – especially O‑negative, O‑positive and A‑negative – down to just one day’s reserve. The Red Cross estimates that Germany needs about 15 000 donations daily and a four‑ to five‑day buffer to keep hospitals fully supplied. With schools on summer break and many regular donors on holiday, the shortage risk is heightened.

Officials are urging healthy adults to donate now while temperatures are milder, emphasizing that blood can be safely given even in warm weather provided donors stay hydrated and rested.