‘Champi’ may re-intensify into super typhoon, to enter PAR Tuesday

Satellite rendering shows Typhoon Champi taken on Oct. 18, 2026.

PAGASA via Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Champi has weakened as it moved west-northwestward over the sea west of Guam, but may re-intensify into a super typhoon, PAGASA said Sunday night.

In its 11 p.m. bulletin on Sunday, October 18, the state weather bureau said Champi was carrying maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 215 kph.

It is moving west-northwestward at 15 kph.

The center of Champi was estimated at 1,830 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Champi is expected to enter the PAR by Tuesday morning or early afternoon. Once inside the country's monitoring area, it will be given the domestic name Rosal.

Strong winds, rainfall

PAGASA said tropical cyclone wind signals may be raised over the northern and eastern portions of Northern Luzon and parts of the Bicol Region as early as Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

The highest wind signal in the current forecast scenario is Signal No. 3 or 4.

Gusty conditions may affect most parts of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as portions of Mindanao, beginning Wednesday.

The tropical cyclone is also expected to bring heavy rainfall to Extreme Northern Luzon.

Sea conditions

Moderate to rough seas may begin affecting the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Mindanao by Tuesday.

Hazardous sea conditions, with very rough to very high seas, may affect the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon from Wednesday onward.

PAGASA said a gale warning for very rough seas will be issued on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.

Track, intensity

Champi will continue moving west-northwestward until it enters the PAR on Tuesday, after which it is expected to move toward Taiwan while remaining over the Philippine Sea.

The tropical cyclone is forecast to maintain its strength over the next 12 hours before re-intensifying beginning Sunday evening or Tuesday.

PAGASA said Champi may again reach super typhoon category, with further intensification possible while it moves over the Philippine Sea.

A gradual weakening trend is expected to begin on Wednesday after the tropical cyclone reaches its peak intensity.