Champi Weakens to Typhoon

Typhoon Champi is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on October 20. PAGASA says wind signals may be raised over parts of Luzon as early as October 19 evening.

Typhoon Champi has weakened from a super typhoon while moving over the sea west of Guam, according to DOST-PAGASA’s Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 3, issued at 11:00 PM on October 18, 2026.

Despite the weakening, PAGASA forecasts that Champi may intensify again and return to super typhoon strength as it approaches and moves over the Philippine Sea.

Champi’s Location and Strength

At 10:00 PM on October 18, Champi’s center was estimated at 1,830 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

The typhoon had:

• Maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h near the center
• Gustiness of up to 215 km/h
• Central pressure of 945 hPa
• West northwestward movement at 15 km/h

Strong to typhoon-force winds extended outward up to 680 kilometers from its center.

PAR Entry Expected on October 20

Champi is forecast to continue moving west northwestward and enter PAR by Tuesday, October 20, morning or early afternoon. Once inside PAR, it will be given the domestic name Rosal.

PAGASA expects the cyclone to remain over the Philippine Sea as it moves toward Taiwan.

Champi is forecast to maintain its strength over the next 12 hours. Re-intensification may begin on October 19 evening or October 20, with the cyclone possibly reaching super typhoon category again.

Further intensification remains possible over the Philippine Sea. A gradual weakening trend is likely to begin on Wednesday, October 21, after Champi reaches its peak intensity.

Wind Signals Possible from October 19 Evening

PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals may be raised over the northern and eastern portions of Northern Luzon and portions of the Bicol Region as early as October 19 evening or October 20 morning.

Under the current forecast scenario, the highest wind signal that may be raised is Signal No. 3 or 4. These are possible warning levels as the cyclone approaches, rather than signals already issued under this advisory.

Gusty conditions are likely over most parts of Luzon and Visayas and portions of Mindanao beginning October 21.

Champi is also expected to bring heavy rains to Extreme Northern Luzon. PAGASA will issue a separate Weather Advisory for the anticipated rainfall.

What Baguio and Benguet Residents Should Monitor

The advisory does not provide a specific rainfall forecast or wind signal for Baguio City and Benguet.

Residents should monitor succeeding PAGASA bulletins for the areas placed under wind signals, rainfall forecasts, and any changes in Champi’s track and intensity. Local government and disaster risk reduction and management advisories should also be followed as the cyclone approaches.

Hazardous Seas Possible from October 21

Moderate to rough seas may develop along the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao beginning October 20.

By October 21 onward, very rough, high, or very high seas may affect the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon. PAGASA expects to issue a Gale Warning on October 20 evening or October 21 morning.

Unless an intermediate advisory is issued, PAGASA’s next tropical cyclone advisory is scheduled for 11:00 AM on October 19, 2026.

Sources:

DOST-PAGASA, Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 3 for Typhoon Champi, issued at 11:00 PM on October 18, 2026.