Philippines: Super Typhoon Champi Set to Enter PAR on October 20

October 18, 2026 — Super Typhoon Champi, which brushed Guam early Sunday, is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday, October 20, still at super typhoon strength. The state weather agency PAGASA says it will be named “Rosal” once inside PAR, and wind signals could be raised over parts of northern Luzon and the Bicol Region as early as Monday evening.

The forecast

Strength: PAGASA’s 11 a.m. update on Sunday put Champi’s maximum sustained winds at 185 km/h near the center, with gusts up to 230 km/h.
Position: About 2,090 km east of southeastern Luzon at 11 a.m. Sunday, moving generally west-northwest. The Inquirer reports a speed of 25 km/h.
PAR entry: Tuesday morning or afternoon, October 20.
Track: PAGASA expects Champi to keep heading west-northwest toward Taiwan and to weaken gradually from Tuesday or Wednesday. A Philippine landfall has not been forecast (TBA).
Wind signals: May be raised over the northern and eastern parts of northern Luzon and parts of the Bicol Region from Monday evening or Tuesday morning.
Rain and wind: Heavy rain is expected in extreme northern Luzon, with strong winds and heavy rain possible across northern Luzon and Bicol. Parts of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao could see gusty conditions by Wednesday or Thursday.
Airports and ferries: No closures announced yet (TBA).

What it means for travelers

Watch the PAGASA bulletins from Monday, especially if you plan to fly into northern Luzon or the Bicol Region, or to connect through Manila to Taiwan midweek.
Domestic flights and ferries are often suspended once wind signals go up. If you are planning an island hop, have a backup plan and enough money and medication for an extra night or two.
Taiwan trips: Champi is heading toward Taiwan after the Philippines, so check the forecast before committing to a midweek trip there.
Register with STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad so you get embassy updates.
Insurance: If you are buying travel insurance now, check whether it still covers a storm that has already been named.