It's actually 44°F in Salem right now. Sorta chilly, right? Most folks think Oregon is just a constant wall of rain from October to May, but honestly, today is just mostly cloudy with a tiny 10% chance of a sprinkle. You’ve probably noticed that "wet" feeling in the air even when it isn’t actually raining. That’s the 84% humidity talking.
Basically, the current temperature in Salem Oregon is sitting right at the seasonal normal for mid-January. We aren't seeing any wild arctic blasts today, which is a relief. If you're heading out to Minto-Brown Island Park or just grabbing coffee downtown, a standard jacket will do the trick. The wind is barely moving—just a 2 mph breeze from the north—so you won't have to deal with that biting wind chill that sometimes whips through the Willamette Valley.
Why the Current Temperature in Salem Oregon Feels Different
Ever noticed how 44 degrees here feels way colder than 44 degrees in, say, Bend or Boise? It’s the moisture. High humidity makes that cold air stick to your bones.
Right now, the dew point is high enough that the air feels heavy. This is classic Willamette Valley weather. We are tucked between the Coast Range and the Cascades, which traps all that damp, Pacific air right on top of us. It’s why our "mostly cloudy" days feel a bit more oppressive than a dry cloudy day elsewhere.
Looking at the Numbers
If you’re planning the rest of your Tuesday, don’t expect a massive warmup. We are basically at the daytime high already.
- The High: 44°F (Happening right about now).
- The Low: 31°F (Bundle up for tonight).
- Precipitation: 10% chance of rain, but honestly, it’ll likely stay dry.
- Tonight's Twist: There is actually a 20% chance of a stray snow flurry overnight as the temperature drops toward freezing. Don't go buying a sled just yet, though. It's unlikely to stick.
What Most People Get Wrong About Salem Winters
A lot of people think Salem gets buried in snow every year. Not true. Historically, January in Salem averages about 2.9 inches of snow for the entire month. Most of the time, we just get "the gray."
The current temperature in Salem Oregon is a perfect example of our "maritime" climate. The Pacific Ocean acts like a giant heater, keeping us from getting as cold as the Midwest, but it also acts like a giant humidifier.
Recent Trends and Records
While 44°F is normal, we’ve had some weird years. Did you know the record high for mid-January in Salem is 59°F? That happened back in 1895 and again in 2022. On the flip side, we’ve seen it drop to 2°F in 1909.
Lately, we’ve been seeing fewer "very cold" nights. According to the Oregon State Climate Summaries from NOAA, winter warming in our region has been characterized by rising nighttime temperatures. We just don't hit those sub-20-degree marks as often as we used to.
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Surviving the 40-Degree Dampness
Since the current temperature in Salem Oregon is hovering in that mid-40s range, layering is your best friend. A cotton hoodie won't save you if that 10% chance of rain turns into a real drizzle; cotton soaks up the humidity and stays cold.
Go for a synthetic or wool base layer. It’s the "Salem Uniform" for a reason.
What to Expect Tomorrow
If you're looking ahead, Wednesday is going to be a carbon copy of today. Another high of 44°F. Another day of "partly sunny" peeking through the clouds. However, the end of the week looks spectacular. By Friday, we are looking at 53°F and pure sunshine. That’s a huge jump from the current chill.
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Actionable Steps for Today
- Check your tire pressure: Cold snaps (like tonight's drop to 31°F) can trigger your "low tire pressure" light.
- Bring in the plants: If you have sensitive potted plants outside, tonight is the night to move them. 31°F is just low enough to cause some frost damage.
- Watch the North Wind: Even though it's only 2 mph now, if it picks up, that north wind is what brings the freezing air down from the Columbia Gorge.
Keep an eye on the sky around sunset (4:54 PM). With the current cloud cover, we might get one of those dramatic Oregon purple-and-gray sunsets if the light hits the bottom of the clouds just right.
Stay warm out there.