Extreme Heat Warning posted for Culver City, others

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning in anticipation of high temperatures in the Los Angeles area, including Culver City. A phenomenon described by the L.A. Times as the "worst heat wave this year" is expected to arrive in Southern California tomorrow and last through Friday.

Temperatures between 95°F and 105°F are expected in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains and the inland coast of L.A. County — which includes Culver City, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and other nearby municipalities — leading to the Advisory being announced this afternoon by the National Weather Service. It will be put into effect between 11 a.m. Thursday and 9 p.m. Friday.

While uncommon, Culver City does reach triple-digit temperatures in the fall months. The hottest day ever recorded in Culver City was 111°F on September 26, 1963, and the high reached 103°F in September 2010 and 101°F on September 6, 2024, according to data from the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Culver City didn't see a maximum temperature above 78°F in July. While two days this month have already exceeded a maximum temperature of 80°F, August's current average max temperature is just 1°F higher than in July.

However, a heat wave described as the biggest of the year is expected to hit Southern California tomorrow and last through Friday, leading to concerns about elevated temperatures.

Extreme Heat Warnings are typically issued when the heat index — a metric which combines temperature and humidity to accurately represent how the weather feels to the human body — is forecasted to exceed 105°F for at least two consecutive days. According to forecasts from several outlets — including The Weather Channel and AccuWeather — Culver City's Heat Index is not expected to exceed 90°F during this warning.

Unlike an Extreme Heat Watch or Heat Advisory, an Extreme Heat Warning has associated guidelines related to outdoor activity. The National Weather Service recommends that people avoid outdoor exertion during an Extreme Heat Warning, especially during the hours when temperatures peak.

Frequent breaks from activity in the shade are recommended for those who do need to be outside, but staying indoors in an air-conditioned space is preferable.

For those who do not have air conditioning, Culver City is home to a pair of L.A. County Cooling Centers, and several more lie just outside of the city's borders. These sites are listed on the county's official website, and the ones closest to Culver City residents include:

• Culver City Senior Center - 4095 Overland Avenue
• West Los Angeles America Job Center of California (AJCC) - 5446 Sepulveda Boulevard
• Palms-Rancho Park Branch Library - 2920 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles, 90064
• Mar Vista Branch Library - 12006 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90066
• Ladera Park (Pet Friendly) - 6027 Ladera Park Avenue, Los Angeles, 90056

While The Plunge — Culver City's municipal pool — will be open during the heat wave, registration online is required to participate. The Plunge offers 55-minute timeslots for family swim or lap swim on Wednesday and Thursday, and swimmers can sign up for three Aqua Fit classes on Wednesday.

There is also a diving movie night on Friday at 7 p.m., featuring Aquaman 2. For more information on visiting The Plunge, visit their online portal here.