Salem residents face temperatures near 100°F through midweek as a National Weather Service heat advisory took effect at noon Tuesday, Aug. 4, compounded by wildfire smoke from Oregon's record-breaking fire season.
The advisory runs through 11 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5. Tuesday's high is forecast at 96°F, with Wednesday expected to hit 99°F. Relief won't come quickly. Thursday is forecast at 97°F and Friday at 94°F.
Smoke from more than 2 million acres burned statewide this summer could lower temperatures by 1–3 degrees but still poses health risks. Salem's Air Quality Index sat at 82 on Monday afternoon, rated "moderate," though an air quality advisory is in effect in several nearby counties.
This is the second heat advisory the NWS has issued for Salem in two weeks. The previous advisory, July 21–22, saw temperatures in the Mid-Willamette Valley touch 100°F.
Where to cool down
Three locations are open as cooling centers:
- ARCHES Day Center, 615 Commercial St. NE (adults 18+): Tuesday, 1–7 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Pets are allowed. The center provides air conditioning, beverages, and cooling supplies like neck wraps.
- ARCHES Family First, 1255 Broadway St. NE (families): Tuesday through Thursday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Cherriots provides free bus rides to cooling centers. No proof is required. Riders just tell the driver they're heading to a cooling center.
The city also has spray fountains running at local parks, and the Capitol's outdoor Wall of Water fountains along Court Street (900 Court St. NE) typically run when temperatures exceed 80°F.
What employers must do
Under Oregon law, when temperatures reach 90°F, employers must provide workers with cool drinking water, shaded or air-conditioned rest areas, and 10-minute cool-down breaks at least every two hours. At 100°F, those breaks increase to 15 minutes every hour.
Oregon OSHA confirmed the heat illness prevention rule applies to all workplaces, indoor and outdoor, whenever the heat index hits 80°F.
The agency also has a separate wildfire smoke rule requiring employers to monitor air quality and provide NIOSH-approved respirators when workers face hazardous smoke levels.
Staying safe
The NWS advises residents to keep windows closed during the day and open at night, unless smoke degrades air quality, in which case windows should stay shut. The Oregon Health Authority warns that signs of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, and rapid heart rate. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should call 911 immediately.
Residents can find additional resources or report concerns by calling 211, Oregon's social services hotline.
