by Salem, Oregon – Residents of Salem sweltered through a historic heatwave on August 22, 2025, when the city shattered an 82-year-old record by reaching 101 degrees at McNary Field. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the previous record for that date was 100 degrees, set in 1942.
With forecasters warning of continued triple-digit temperatures and an extreme heat warning advisory in effect until August 26, Salem is now bracing for several more days of dangerous heat conditions.
New Record, Same Heat Ahead
The NWS confirmed that the temperature hit 101 degrees at 4:56 p.m. on Aug. 22, officially breaking the decades-old mark. The forecast for Aug. 23 calls for another 101-degree day, just one degree shy of the all-time record for that date, 102 degrees set in 1988.
Highs are expected to remain in the upper 90s and low 100s through Aug. 26, keeping the community under extended weather warnings.
Extreme Heat Warning in Effect
According to States Man Journal, The heat advisory remains active until 11 p.m. on Aug. 26, urging residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Health officials are encouraging people to:
- Stay indoors during peak afternoon hours
- Use fans or air conditioning to cool living spaces
- Stay hydrated by drinking water consistently
- Check on vulnerable neighbors, particularly seniors and children
Local cooling centers have also been opened across Salem to provide relief for residents without adequate access to air conditioning.
Power Companies Urge Conservation
With demand for electricity surging during the heatwave, Pacific Power has asked customers to reduce energy consumption to prevent strain on the electrical grid.
The utility company recommends:
- Conserving energy during peak hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Running appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, and dryers only in the evening or early morning
- Turning off unnecessary lights, computers, and televisions
- Using fans to circulate air instead of relying solely on air conditioning
Moratorium on Utility Shut-Offs
To protect vulnerable households, new Oregon state rules for 2025 prohibit utility companies from disconnecting customers during periods of extreme heat.
Customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power cannot be shut off for unpaid bills while the warning remains in effect and for 48 hours afterward.
The rules also provide relief for households already disconnected since Aug. 19. Those customers can now have their power restored without upfront costs, offering critical access to electricity during this dangerous weather.
A Community Coping With Unrelenting Heat
While Salem is no stranger to summer heat, the intensity and duration of this heatwave are raising concerns about climate impacts and infrastructure strain. Residents are adjusting by shifting outdoor activities to the early morning or late evening, relying on fans and cooling centers, and checking in on at-risk community members.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that persistent triple-digit temperatures could increase the risk of wildfires, health emergencies, and power disruptions across the region.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think Oregon’s new power shut-off protections go far enough to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com and join the conversation.
