October 19, 2026 — Champi became a super typhoon again on Monday afternoon, October 19, and is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday, October 20, where it will be named “Rosal.” The state weather agency PAGASA says the storm should stay over the Philippine Sea and head toward Taiwan. Northern and eastern Luzon could still get wind signals as high as No. 3 or 4, heavy rain and dangerous seas later this week.
What’s new since our last update
- Super typhoon again: The Manila Times reports that PAGASA reclassified Champi as a super typhoon as of 2 p.m. Monday. At 4 p.m. it had maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h and gusts of 230 km/h, and it was about 1,515 km east of southeastern Luzon, moving west-northwest at 15 km/h.
- Track: PAGASA’s 11 a.m. advisory says the storm is forecast to stay over the Philippine Sea as it moves toward Taiwan. The Inquirer reports that the closest approach to the Philippines is expected on Friday, October 23. PAGASA expects gradual weakening from Wednesday, October 21.
- Wind signals: PAGASA says signals may be raised over the northern and eastern parts of Northern Luzon and parts of the Bicol Region as early as Monday evening or Tuesday morning. The highest expected is Signal No. 3 or 4. The Inquirer names Catanduanes in particular.
Expected timeline
| When | What PAGASA and local media expect |
|---|---|
| Tue Oct 20 | Enters PAR in the morning or early afternoon and is named Rosal. Moderate to rough seas begin on the northern and eastern seaboards. A gale warning is possible from Tuesday evening. |
| Wed Oct 21 | Gusty winds over most of Luzon, the Visayas and parts of Mindanao. Hazardous seas off northern and eastern Luzon. Heavy rain may begin in Cagayan and far northern Luzon in the evening. |
| Thu Oct 22 – Fri Oct 23 | Heaviest rain over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao and Ilocos Norte. Risk of flooding, landslides and power and telecom outages. Closest approach on Friday. |
Landfall is not forecast in the reports we found. Flight and ferry suspensions had not been announced as of Monday. Metro Manila was expected to have mostly fair weather on Tuesday, with possible afternoon showers. The US State Department advisory for the Philippines stays at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
What it means for airline travelers
- Northern Luzon and Bicol trips this week are risky. If you are heading to Batanes, Cagayan (Tuguegarao), Ilocos Norte (Laoag) or Catanduanes (Virac), expect domestic flights and ferries to be cancelled once signals go up. Standby seats on the flights that do operate will disappear quickly as ticketed passengers rebook.
- Manila connections: Manila is not on the forecast track, but gusty weather from Wednesday may cause delays. Leave extra time for onward connections.
- Taiwan and beyond: PAGASA forecasts the storm heading toward Taiwan, so follow Taiwan’s weather service if your trip continues there late this week.
- Ferries and island hopping: A gale warning will stop small boats along the northern and eastern seaboards. Don’t count on getting back to the mainland in time for your flight home.
- Stay informed: Follow PAGASA advisories, and enroll in STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad.
- Insurance: Once a storm is named, it is usually a “known event” and new policies may not cover it.
Sources
- PAGASA (official) — Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 4, Typhoon Champi (11 a.m., October 19, 2026)
- The Manila Times — ‘Champi’ re-intensifies into super typhoon
- Philippine Daily Inquirer — Supertyphoon Rosal to enter PAR Oct. 20
- The Philippine Star — ‘Champi’ may re-intensify into super typhoon, to enter PAR Tuesday
- US State Department (official) — Travel Advisories
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