Super Typhoon Champi Still Outside PAR, but Rain Already Hitting Northern, Eastern Samar: PAGASA
Super Typhoon Champi is still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), but PAGASA said it may enter within the day. Its trough is already affecting the eastern part of Southern Luzon, the eastern part of the Visayas, and extreme Northern Luzon.
In its 5 AM weather update on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, DOST-PAGASA Weather Specialist Veronica C. Torres said Champi was last seen 1,605 km east of Central Luzon as of 3:00 a.m. It has maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 240 km/h. It is moving west-northwest at 20 km/h. PAGASA said there is no other tropical cyclone or low pressure area inside or near the PAR.
Once Champi enters PAR, it will be given the local name Rosal. PAGASA said it may intensify further as it nears the landmass, and it may exit PAR around the weekend, possibly by Saturday.
What it means for the Visayas
The trough of Champi is bringing cloudy skies with scattered rain showers, lightning, and thunder to Northern Samar and Eastern Samar. The rest of the Visayas and Mindanao can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with localized thunderstorms.
In the coming days, PAGASA said some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao may turn rainy as Champi approaches.
Temperatures today will range from 26°C to 32°C in Iloilo and Cebu.
Wind signals and sea conditions
PAGASA said it may raise a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal as early as today or within the day, particularly over parts of the Bicol region and the eastern part of Northern Luzon. A tropical cyclone bulletin will be issued once a wind signal is raised or once Champi enters PAR.
No gale warning is up anywhere in the country for now. Still, PAGASA advised caution for those venturing out to sea off the eastern coasts of Luzon and the Visayas, where seas are moderate to rough. It did not rule out gale warnings in the coming days as the typhoon draws closer.
Other weather today
The trough of Champi is also bringing cloudy skies with rain, lightning, and thunder to Catanduanes, while the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is bringing rain to Palawan. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to cloudy with localized thunderstorms. Metro Manila temperatures will range from 25°C to 32°C.
In the coming days, as Champi nears Luzon, eastern Luzon may turn rainy, and strong winds and rain are possible in Northern Luzon.
Sunrise today is at 5:48 a.m. and sunset is at 5:33 p.m.
Where to get updates
PAGASA urged the public to keep monitoring its updates. These are available on its website at pagasa.dost.gov.ph and panahon.gov.ph, and on its Facebook and YouTube channels.
📌 Quick Summary
What: Super Typhoon Champi (local name Rosal once in PAR) is outside PAR, and its trough is already bringing rain to parts of the Visayas
Where: 1,605 km east of Central Luzon as of 3:00 a.m.; rain in Northern Samar and Eastern Samar
When: Weather update issued 5:00 AM, October 20, 2026; may enter PAR within the day
Impact on Visayas: Scattered rain in Northern and Eastern Samar, localized thunderstorms elsewhere, possible rain in some areas in the coming days, and 26°C to 32°C in Iloilo and Cebu
Source: DOST-PAGASA Public Weather Forecast (5:00 AM, October 20, 2026)