October 20, 2026 — Super Typhoon Champi entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, and was renamed “Rosal.” The state weather agency PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over parts of northern Luzon and Catanduanes, and the closest approach to extreme northern Luzon is expected between Thursday and Friday.
What’s new since our last update
- Strength: As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Rosal was about 1,270 km east of Central Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h and gusts of 240 km/h, moving west-northwest at 25 km/h, according to PAGASA’s 5 p.m. bulletin reported by Philstar.
- Signal No. 1: Raised for Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, northern Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud), northern and eastern Cagayan, northeastern Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan) and northeastern Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto). PAGASA expects minimal to minor impacts there for now.
- Highest expected signal: Signal No. 2 or 3. Yesterday’s forecasts had suggested up to No. 3 or 4.
- Rough seas: PTV News reports waves of up to 4.5 metres off northern and eastern Catanduanes and up to 4 metres off Isabela, Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, northern Camarines and Northern and Eastern Samar.
Expected timeline
| When | PAGASA forecast |
|---|---|
| Through Wed Oct 21 | Moves west-northwest over the Philippine Sea; may strengthen further |
| Thu Oct 22 – Fri Oct 23 | Turns northwest; closest approach to extreme northern Luzon; gradually weakens to a typhoon by Thursday evening or early Friday |
| Fri Oct 23 (evening) – Sat Oct 24 | Turns north-northwest to north and leaves the Philippine Area of Responsibility |
Landfall is not forecast in the reports we found, and no flight or ferry suspensions had been reported. The US State Department advisory for the Philippines remains at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
What it means for airline travelers
- Northern Luzon 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 if signals go higher. Standby seats on flights that do operate will go fast as ticketed passengers rebook.
- Manila connections: Manila is not on the forecast track, but leave extra time for onward connections later in the week.
- Heading on to Taiwan or Japan? The storm turns north after leaving the Philippines on Friday or Saturday. Watch those countries’ weather services if your trip continues north this weekend.
- Island hopping: Small-boat operators along the northern and eastern coasts are being urged to take care in rough seas, and trips may be called off. Don’t count on a boat getting you back in time for your flight home.
- Stay informed: Follow PAGASA bulletins, and enroll in STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad.
- Insurance: Once a storm is named, new policies may treat it as a known event and not cover it.
Sources
- The Philippine Star — ‘Rosal’ slightly intensifies in approach; Signal No. 1 still up in Luzon
- PTV News (Philippine government) — Wind Signal No. 1 up in Northern, Southern Luzon as ‘Rosal’ enters PAR
- US State Department (official) — Travel Advisories
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