Super Typhoon "Champi" Still Outside PAR, May Enter Tuesday as "Rosal"
The storm with the international name "Champi" has intensified into a super typhoon, according to DOST-PAGASA. As of 2:00 AM on Sunday, October 18, 2026, it was still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
PAGASA said the super typhoon has maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 230 km/h. Its center was located 2,285 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon (13.1°N, 144.8°E), moving west-northwestward at 25 km/h.
In the 5:00 AM weather update, PAGASA Weather Specialist Aldczar D. Aurelio said the super typhoon has no direct effect on the country today. The cyclone is forecast to move generally northwest. It may enter PAR on Tuesday, October 20, and will be called "Rosal" once it does.
Because of the size and movement of the cyclone, PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over the northern and eastern sections of Northern Luzon and the eastern section of the Bicol Region as early as Monday or Tuesday. By Wednesday, October 21, gusty winds may be felt across almost the entire country. Extreme Northern Luzon may be affected on Thursday or Friday, with heavy rain possible if the cyclone is near the area. PAGASA urged the public to keep monitoring its updates, especially on the storm's track.
For today, Luzon, including Metro Manila, will have generally fair weather with possible localized thunderstorms. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will bring frequent rain and thunderstorms to Palawan, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, and Basilan. The rest of Mindanao will be fair, with isolated localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA said no gale warning is in effect and no high waves are expected today, so it is safe to go out to sea. Sunrise was at 5:48 AM and sunset will be at 5:35 PM.
Source: DOST-PAGASA Public Weather Forecast issued at 5:00 AM, October 18, 2026, and PAGASA Facebook post as of 2:00 AM, via the National PIO/PCO.