Salem extreme heat warning issued for Friday through Tuesday
The weather will be dangerously hot in Salem through early next week, with daytime temperatures expected to reach around 100 degrees.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning from 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, through 5 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Friday and Saturday will be the hottest, with a forecasted high of 101 degrees during the day and a low around 66 degrees at night. Sunday and Monday are expected to reach a high of 97 degrees during the day, with nighttime temperatures around 67 degrees.
High temperatures bring an increased risk of heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Marion County Health and Human Services recommends staying in air-conditioned places and limiting sun exposure.
“If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library — even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat,” the county website said.
The county also said electric fans won’t prevent heat related illnesses, and recommended staying hydrated, using cool compresses and cold showers to prevent illness. See the full list of safety tips on their website.
Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, sweating and nausea, and can develop in under 15 minutes.
“Some heat-related illnesses can be managed at home or at urgent care. However, if you or someone you see is experiencing confusion or unconsciousness due to heat exposure, call 911,” the county website said.
Outdoor workers must take at least one 15-minute break in a cool area every hour, according to Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules shared by Marion County Health & Human Services.
The Salem Public Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Splash Pads will be open at parks throughout the city.
ARCHES staff will also do outreach work over the weekend, bringing water, sunscreen and other cooling supplies to unsheltered people in the community, said Marie Jennings, development director, in an emailed statement.
According to the county website, Salem’s cooling shelters and open hours include:
- ARCHES Day Center at 615 Commercial St. N.E., Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Northwest Human Services Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Project, 694 Church St. N.E., Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The Salem Recovery Outreach Community Center, 1190 Broadway St. N.E, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 12-5 p.m.
- Seed of Faith Ministries Cooling Center, 1230 Winter St. N.E., 3-7 p.m.
See more information about the centers, including available services and whether pets are accepted, here.
UPDATE: This story has been updated with additional information about ARCHES services this weekend.
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.
A MOMENT MORE, PLEASE– If you found this story useful, consider subscribing to Salem Reporter if you don’t already. Work such as this, done by local professionals, depends on community support from subscribers. Please take a moment and sign up now – easy and secure: SUBSCRIBE.
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.
