The National Weather Service has ramped up its warnings for heat in the Salem area for the next few days.

The agency issued an “excessive heat warning” early Sunday, Aug. 13, forecasting temperatures approaching 110 degrees.

The warning for what the weather service takes effect at 2 p.m. Sunday and goes until 11 p.m. Wednesday.

“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the warning said.

“High temperatures 100 to 107 expected, with warmest being in Willamette Valley from Salem to Eugene. Overnight lows in the mid 60s to lower 70s, warmest in the larger urban cores such as Portland, Salem and Eugene. Hottest days will be Monday and Tuesday,” according to the warning.

Salem hit 91 on Saturday and the coolest temperature expected for the next several days was 65 recorded at the Salem Airport at 6:30 a.m.

The weather service forecast a high for Salem of 103 on Sunday, 107 on Monday and 103 on Tuesday.

There won’t be much cooling at night, with temperatures lowering only to about 70, the weather service forecast.

“This will make it very difficult to cool off at night, especially for those without air conditioning,” forecasters wrote.

The hot weather also boosted the wildfire risks in western Oregon. The weather service early Sunday issued a red flag warning to run from 11 a.m. Sunday to 11 p.m. Wednesday.

“Conditions may be favorable for rapid fire spread which may threaten life and property,” the agency said.

For information on a burn ban in Salem and cooling centers in the community, see:

Stay cool during Salem’s hottest week of summer yet

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