Tropical Storm Juliette Track Shift: What It Means for California Weather

Juliette’s Shifting Track is causing concern in Southern California as the remnants of Tropical Storm Juliette are now projected to bring moisture and potential weather impacts to the region. This unexpected change in course, reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), means that while the storm’s core will remain offshore, its influence will be felt across Southern California from late Wednesday through Friday, August 27-29, 2025.

The Shifting Storm: Juliette’s Unexpected Turn

Tropical Storm Juliette’s recent track shift has prompted weather advisories for Southern California. What was initially projected to be a storm passing by with minimal impact is now expected to bring scattered showers, elevated swells, and increased humidity to the region. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) identified the “large northeastward shift” in Juliette’s path, altering previous forecasts.

Who’s Monitoring the Situation?

Meteorologists from various agencies are closely monitoring Juliette’s progress. The National Hurricane Center (NHC), along with local National Weather Service (NWS) offices in San Diego and Oxnard, and Southern California Weather Force, are providing updates and advisories. Residents across Southern California, including those in San Diego, Los Angeles, the Coachella Valley, and the Inland Empire (Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties), are urged to stay informed. Surfers and beachgoers should heed warnings about strong rip currents.

What Exactly Happened?

Tropical Storm Juliette, which originated as Tropical Depression Ten-E on Monday, August 25, 2025, initially showed signs of strengthening into a Category 1 hurricane before weakening. However, a significant “large northeastward shift” in its projected track has changed the anticipated impact on California. According to reports, this shift deviates considerably from earlier predictions that suggested the tropical moisture might bypass the state entirely. Despite weakening to a tropical depression by Thursday, August 28, 2025, the storm’s decaying remnants are still expected to bring moisture and other effects to the Golden State.

Timeline of Events

Here’s a breakdown of the key dates and events related to Tropical Storm Juliette:

• Monday, August 25, 2025: Tropical Depression Ten-E forms.
• Tuesday afternoon, August 26, 2025: Juliette generates 65 mph winds. The National Hurricane Center reports the critical track shift.
• Late Wednesday, August 27, 2025: Anticipated weather impacts begin in California.
• Thursday, August 28, 2025: Juliette weakens to a tropical depression, but impacts continue.
• Friday, August 29, 2025: Weather impacts are expected to persist through this day.

Geographical Impact

Tropical Storm Juliette originated in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, hundreds of miles south-southwest of Baja California’s southern tip. The northeastward shift is directing remnant moisture toward Southern California. Areas from San Diego to the Coachella Valley and across the Inland Empire are most likely to experience effects. The Bay Area is expected to experience little to no impact.

The Reason Behind the Shift

The “large northeastward shift” in Juliette’s track resulted from evolving atmospheric conditions that influenced weather model predictions. Winds in the upper atmosphere are forecast to blow from south to north, effectively drawing moisture from Juliette toward Southern California and Arizona. This interaction of tropical moisture with local mid-latitude systems over California is contributing to the enhanced precipitation and potential for gusty winds.

Southern California Weather: Expected Impacts

The track shift is bringing a range of weather impacts to Southern California. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect:

Rainfall and Thunderstorms

Scattered showers are anticipated across southwestern California, with urban areas potentially receiving 0.05 to 0.25 inches of rain and mountainous regions up to 0.5 inches. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms, particularly over the Riverside and San Bernardino county mountains, where heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles may also see a chance of dry lightning.

Coastal Hazards: Rip Currents and Swells

Elevated southerly swells of 3 to 6 feet are expected to generate strong and numerous rip currents along Southern California beaches, posing a hazard to beachgoers and surfers. Newsweek reports that these conditions will make swimming dangerous. Authorities advise caution and awareness of rip current safety.

Humidity and Winds

The tropical air mass will contribute to higher-than-normal humidity levels, especially in San Diego. Although Juliette’s strongest winds will remain offshore, some exposed mountainous areas could experience gusty winds up to 60-70 km/h. Pain In The Pass indicates that these winds could create hazardous driving conditions in certain areas.

Uncertainty in Predictions

Forecasters emphasize that predicting the exact amount of precipitation from this high-altitude moisture remains challenging, leading to a “large range of outcomes with low certainty on details,” according to mkweather. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts.

Staying Informed

Given the evolving nature of the situation, residents of Southern California are encouraged to stay informed through official sources such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local National Weather Service (NWS) offices. Monitoring local news outlets and weather websites will also provide timely updates and safety advisories.

In conclusion, the unexpected track shift of Tropical Storm Juliette is set to bring a period of unsettled weather to Southern California. While the storm’s core will remain offshore, the increased moisture, potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms, elevated swells, and gusty winds warrant attention and preparedness. Staying informed and heeding safety advisories will be crucial in navigating the impacts of this shifting storm.