Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) continued to intensify Tuesday night while moving west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, with PAGASA placing several areas in Northern Luzon under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 as of 11:00 PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
According to PAGASA's Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 3, the eye of the super typhoon was located approximately 1,110 kilometers east of Central Luzon, or 1,150 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, at coordinates 17.0°N, 132.5°E, based on a 10:00 PM observation.
Rosal's Strength and Current Track
PAGASA reported maximum sustained winds of 215 km/h near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 265 km/h and a central pressure of 910 hPa. The storm was moving west-northwestward at 25 km/h, with tropical cyclone-force winds extending outward up to 780 kilometers from the center.
Further intensification remains possible within the next 12 hours as Rosal moves over the Philippine Sea, according to PAGASA. The agency forecasts the super typhoon will reach maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h by 8:00 AM on Wednesday, October 21, when it is projected to be approximately 930 kilometers east of Northern Luzon.
Forecast Track: Closest Approach Thursday to Friday
PAGASA's track and intensity forecast shows Rosal moving west-northwestward until Wednesday, October 21, before shifting generally northwestward through Friday morning, October 23. On this projected track, the super typhoon will be closest to Extreme Northern Luzon between Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23.
The bulletin projects the following center positions:
- 8:00 AM, Wednesday, Oct. 21: 930 km east of Northern Luzon — 220 km/h sustained winds (Super Typhoon)
- 8:00 PM, Wednesday, Oct. 21: 720 km east of Calayan, Cagayan — 215 km/h (Super Typhoon)
- 8:00 AM, Thursday, Oct. 22: 485 km east of Basco, Batanes — 205 km/h (Super Typhoon)
- 8:00 PM, Thursday, Oct. 22: 390 km east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes — 195 km/h (Super Typhoon)
- 8:00 AM, Friday, Oct. 23: 355 km northeast of Itbayat, Batanes — 175 km/h (Typhoon)
- 8:00 PM, Thursday, Oct. 23: 450 km north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes — 155 km/h (Typhoon)
- 8:00 PM, Saturday, Oct. 24: 820 km north-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon — 130 km/h (Typhoon, outside PAR)
PAGASA said Rosal will begin turning generally northward after Friday before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday evening or early Saturday morning, October 24. The agency noted the track may still shift within the limits of the forecast confidence cone.
TCWS No. 1 Areas Under Wind Signal
As of the 11:00 PM bulletin, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 — indicating a strong wind threat with minimal to minor impact on life and property — is in effect for the following areas, with a 36-hour warning lead time:
- Batanes (all)
- Babuyan Islands
- Ilocos Norte (northern portion: Pagudpud)
- Mainland Cagayan (northern and eastern portions: Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Santa Teresita, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Buguey, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca, Santa Praxedes, Claveria, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Ballesteros, Abulug, Allacapan)
- Isabela (northeastern portion: Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan)
- Catanduanes (northeastern portion: Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto)
PAGASA noted that the highest wind signal that may be raised during the passage of Rosal is Wind Signal No. 2 or 3.
Strong to Gale-Force Gusts Across Wider Areas
Beyond the areas under wind signal, PAGASA said the Northeasterly Windflow and the periphery of Rosal will bring strong to gale-force gusts — particularly in coastal and upland areas — across a broader swath of the country over the coming days.
On Tuesday, October 20, these conditions were affecting Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Isabela, Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and the Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands.
On Wednesday, October 21, strong to gale-force gusts are expected over the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Polillo Islands, Bicol Region, Romblon, Eastern Visayas, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Bohol, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao Region, Sarangani, and Zamboanga del Norte.
By Thursday, October 22, these conditions are forecast to affect most of Luzon and Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Northern Mindanao, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental, according to PAGASA.
Dangerous Seas Along Luzon Seaboards
A Gale Warning — Gale Warning No. 1, issued at 5:00 PM Tuesday — is in effect over the seaboards of Extreme Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Northern and Southern Luzon, PAGASA said.
The agency's 24-hour sea condition outlook warns of very rough to rough seas across multiple coastal waters. Waves of up to 6.0 meters are forecast along the seaboards of Batanes and Isabela, and the eastern seaboards of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands. Waves of up to 5.0 meters are expected along remaining seaboards of Batanes and mainland Cagayan, and the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes.
PAGASA said sea travel is risky for all vessel types in the very rough sea zones, advising all mariners to remain in port or seek safe harbor immediately. Operators of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea in areas with waves of up to 4.0 meters.
Weakening Trend Expected After Thursday
PAGASA said Rosal will enter a weakening trend by Thursday, October 22, and is forecast to weaken from super typhoon to typhoon category by Friday morning, October 23. The agency emphasized, however, that heavy rainfall and severe winds may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone.
The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised by DOST-PAGASA to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons in areas highly or very highly susceptible to hazards are urged to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
PAGASA said heavy rainfall warnings specific to each area are covered under Weather Advisory No. 2, also issued at 11:00 PM on Tuesday. The next tropical cyclone bulletin is scheduled for 5:00 AM on Wednesday, October 21.
Photo courtesy of DOST-PAGASA