Note: The below temperatures were updated at 4:30 p.m. on Monday to reflect the latest forecast.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 106 Monday, Aug. 14, with sustained hot temperatures through Wednesday, making this week the hottest Salem has seen so far this summer.
The National Weather Service issued an “excessive heat warning” Sunday, which is in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Triple-digit temperatures during the day with little reprieve at night as temperatures stay around the low 70s increases the potential for heat related illnesses, the service’s warning said.
Monday is forecasted to reach a high of 106 and cool to 71 at night. Tuesday’s forecast is a high of 103 with a low of 68, and Wednesday is expected to reach 101 with a low of 67 at night.
Here’s where you can cool off in Salem this week:
ARCHES cooling centers and outreach
With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, ARCHES started its full-day center and outreach responses starting on Sunday
“For this weather event, we are deploying everything we have to help keep our unhoused neighbors safe during this vulnerable time,” wrote Ashley Hamilton, chief program officer for ARCHES, in an email to the Salem Reporter.
ARCHES day center at 615 Commercial St. N.E. is open for extended hours on Monday and Tuesday from 12-7 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Through Friday, there will be outreach teams operating from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a focus on distributing water, Gatorade, cooling rags, hats, sunscreen and transportation to cooling centers to high-density encampments throughout Marion and Polk counties.
Fuerza Campesina will be operating at 615 Commercial Street N.E. Monday through Friday of next week providing farmworker outreach to Marion and Polk County agricultural sites distributing water, Gatorade, cooling rags, hats, sunscreen and transportation to cooling centers.
The youth drop-in center on 1255 Broadway Street N.E. will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. distributing the same cooling items.
The Kroc Center
The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center, 1865 Bill Frey Drive N.E., will offer a cooling center Monday through Wednesday from 12-8 p.m. Anyone can come enjoy movies, cool drinks and activities for free. Pets are not allowed.
The library
The Salem Public Library’s main location at 585 LIberty St. S.E. will be open Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 12-6 p.m.
The Library’s West Salem Branch, at 395 Glen Creek Rd. N.W. will be open from 12-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Splash pads
Splash pads are now open across the city, offering places to play and cool down all summer long.
The seven fountains will be open daily through Labor Day weekend, and visitors can turn them on by pressing a button.
For a list of parks with a splash pad, hours of operation and a map, see the city website.
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-704-0355.
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Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
