Excessive Heat — Central Willamette Valley, Oregon

2021-06-26 to 2021-06-29 · Central Willamette Valley, Oregon

Event narrative

Temperatures across the area warmed into the 100s to mid 110s over a three day period. Record breaking temperatures up to 117 degrees were recorded in Salem, OR. A total of 18 heat related deaths were reported, including two middle aged men who drowned in the Willamette River on Saturday, June 26.

Wider weather episode

A high pressure heat dome over the region led to stretch of extreme heat, shattering records from June 26 through June 29. All time max temperatures were broken by 8 to 10 degrees. Widespread fatalities occurred due to the heat (123 in total), as many were without air-conditioning, as well as an increase in the number of drownings. Widespread closures and postponements of businesses and events also occurred. Multnomah County had the largest number of fatalities in the state with 73 deaths directly related to the heat.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 961837. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.