The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Salem and the East Central Willamette Valley, warning that temperatures will reach 95 to 98 degrees starting Tuesday morning.
The advisory takes effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, and runs through 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 22.
The NWS Portland forecast office, which covers Salem (zone ORZ115), confirmed the advisory on its forecast page.
At 9:56 a.m. Monday, July 20, conditions at Salem's McNary Field showed 69°F and clear skies. The heat is expected to build overnight and peak Tuesday afternoon.
Heat illness risk
The NWS warns that the forecast temperatures may cause heat illnesses. Outdoor workers face particular risk.
OSHA recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas during extreme heat, and anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location immediately.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone shows signs of heat stroke, call 911.
Wildfire smoke could change the forecast
Wildfire smoke drifting into the Willamette Valley from fires burning elsewhere in Oregon could push daytime highs below the 95–98°F forecast, according to the NWS advisory.
As of July 17, the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center reported 140 new fires in two days burning more than 30,000 acres after thousands of lightning strikes across Oregon.
If smoke does arrive, it could also degrade air quality, which affects how residents should manage ventilation at home.
How to stay safe
The NWS recommends Salem residents take these precautions during the advisory period:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Stay in a cool place during the hottest hours and stay out of direct sunlight.
- Check on relatives and neighbors, especially older adults and those with chronic health conditions.
- Use fans to keep air moving if you don't have air conditioning.
- Keep windows closed during the day and open at night. If wildfire smoke degrades air quality, keep windows closed around the clock.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing outdoors.
- Limit strenuous activity to early morning or evening hours.
What to watch for
The advisory covers a broad swath of western Oregon, including the Portland metro area, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Lower Columbia and Cowlitz River valleys.
The NWS Portland forecast office (weather.gov/portland) will issue updates if the advisory is extended or upgraded to an Excessive Heat Warning.
No cooling center announcements from the City of Salem or Marion County have been confirmed as of July 20.
Residents seeking updated information on local cooling resources should contact Marion County Emergency Management or check the city's website.
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