With central pressure plunging to 915 hectopascals and gusts reaching 240 km/h, Super Typhoon Rosal — known internationally as Champi — was bearing down toward extreme northern Luzon as of 4:00 AM Thursday, October 22, 2026, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The agency placed the storm's centre at 495 kilometres east of Basco, Batanes in Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 8, released at 5:00 AM.
PAGASA reported that Rosal is advancing northwestward at 20 km/h but is undergoing slight weakening as it continues to traverse the Philippine Sea.
Wind Signals Across Northern Island Groups
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been raised over Batanes and the northeastern section of the Babuyan Islands, where gale-force winds between 62 and 88 km/h are anticipated within a 24-hour warning period, posing a minor to moderate threat to life and property, PAGASA said.
TCWS No. 1 is in effect over the remaining portions of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, and the eastern part of Isabela — covering the municipalities of Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Santa Maria, Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Santo Tomas, Tumauini, San Pablo, Ilagan City, San Mariano, and Dinapigue — along with Ilocos Norte and Apayao. Strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h are expected within a 36-hour lead time, representing a minimal to minor threat.
PAGASA cautioned that Batanes could see the signal escalate to TCWS No. 3, the highest level anticipated during Rosal's passage. However, the agency noted that a more north-northwestward track would reduce the likelihood of that higher signal being hoisted.
Widespread Gusts to Sweep Luzon, Visayas, and Parts of Mindanao
Outside the formal wind signal zones, PAGASA warned that Rosal's outer circulation and the prevailing northeasterly windflow will generate strong to gale-force gusts — especially in coastal and elevated areas — across a wide portion of the country over the next three days.
On Thursday, October 22, strong gusts are forecast across most of Luzon and Visayas, as well as Zamboanga del Norte, Northern Mindanao, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
These conditions are expected to persist over most of Luzon and Visayas, and also Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental, on Friday, October 23.
By Saturday, October 24, the area of influence shifts to Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, the Polillo Islands, the Bicol Region, Romblon, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, according to PAGASA.
Sea Conditions Deemed Dangerous Along Northern and Eastern Luzon Coasts
PAGASA's Gale Warning No. 4, likewise released at 5:00 AM Thursday, declared dangerous sea conditions along the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon. Wave heights off the northern and eastern coasts of Batanes could reach as high as 12.0 metres — conditions the agency described as risky for all vessel types and tonnages. PAGASA ordered all mariners in these waters to stay in port or, if already at sea, to immediately head to the nearest safe harbour.
Along the remaining Batanes seaboards, the Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern coast of mainland Cagayan, waves of up to 9.0 metres are expected — still classified as hazardous. Rough seas reaching 4.0 metres are forecast as far south as the northern seaboard of Northern Samar. The agency advised operators of small watercraft and motorbancas — particularly those who are inexperienced or operating poorly equipped vessels — to refrain from venturing out to sea.
Closest Approach Thursday Afternoon; PAR Exit Expected by Weekend
PAGASA's track and intensity forecast shows the storm gradually losing strength over the next 60 hours. By 2:00 PM Thursday, sustained winds are projected to ease to 175 km/h as Rosal moves to roughly 380 kilometres east of Basco. By 2:00 AM Friday, October 23, winds are forecast to further diminish to 165 km/h, with the storm approximately 300 kilometres east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
According to PAGASA, the storm will maintain a northwestward heading through Friday morning before curving north-northwestward by Friday afternoon, then recurving north-northeastward by Saturday, October 24. The closest point of approach to extreme northern Luzon is expected between Thursday afternoon and early Friday morning.
Rosal is forecast to depart the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening or early Saturday. At the 48-hour mark — 2:00 AM Saturday — the storm is projected to be 495 kilometres north of Itbayat, already outside PAR, with sustained winds down to 140 km/h. At the 60-hour mark — 2:00 PM Saturday — the storm is expected to be 735 kilometres north-northeast of Itbayat with winds at 110 km/h, at which point it would be reclassified as a severe tropical storm. PAGASA added that Rosal may be downgraded from super typhoon to typhoon status within Thursday itself, with rapid weakening commencing by Saturday.
Rainfall Outlook and Safety Advisories
PAGASA directed the public to its Weather Advisory No. 7, also issued at 5:00 AM Thursday, for detailed rainfall projections linked to Rosal. The agency stressed that severe winds and heavy rainfall may still affect localities beyond the projected landfall point and the forecast confidence cone, and that the storm's track could still shift within the cone's boundaries.
DOST-PAGASA urged the public and local disaster risk reduction and management offices to take all necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property. Residents in areas identified as highly or very highly susceptible to hazards were instructed to comply with evacuation orders and other directives from local authorities.
The subsequent tropical cyclone bulletin was scheduled for release at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Source: PAGASA / DOST