Typhoon Inday, known internationally as Bavi, continued to move toward Extreme Northern Luzon on Thursday with maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour, even as it slightly weakened from its earlier intensity, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.
In its 5:00 AM bulletin issued Thursday, July 9, 2026, PAGASA said the typhoon's center was located 925 kilometers east of Northern Luzon as of 4:00 AM, carrying gusts of up to 215 km/h and a central pressure of 940 hPa. Inday was tracking west-northwestward at 20 km/h.
Signal No. 1 Raised Over Northern and Central Luzon Provinces
PAGASA hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over several provinces as Inday's outer bands began to influence weather conditions across Luzon. The areas placed under Signal No. 1 are Batanes, Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, and portions of Quirino, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Aurora, and Catanduanes.
Residents under Signal No. 1 can expect strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h within the next 36 hours, which carry a minimal to minor threat to life and property, according to PAGASA. The weather bureau said the highest wind signal expected during Inday's passage over the Philippines is Signal No. 2.
Closest Approach to Extreme Northern Luzon This Weekend
PAGASA said Typhoon Inday is forecast to move northwestward while remaining over the Philippine Sea and is expected to pass closest to Extreme Northern Luzon between Friday evening, July 10, and Saturday morning, July 11.
Following its closest approach, the typhoon is projected to head toward the southern islands of Japan and may make landfall or pass close to the northern coast of Taiwan. PAGASA said Inday is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday, July 11, and to make landfall over the eastern coast of mainland China by Sunday, July 12.
The typhoon will gradually weaken but is expected to remain at typhoon strength until it leaves Philippine territory, according to the weather bureau.
Enhanced Southwest Monsoon to Affect Much of the Country
Beyond the typhoon's direct path, PAGASA warned that the enhanced southwest monsoon — intensified by Inday's periphery — will bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of the country from Thursday through Saturday, July 11.
The weather bureau noted that heavy rainfall and severe winds may still be felt in areas well outside the typhoon's forecast track, and urged residents and local disaster response offices nationwide to take all necessary precautions.
Dangerous Seas Forecast Along Multiple Seaboards
PAGASA issued a Gale Warning covering the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Visayas. Sea conditions are forecast to be particularly severe along the seaboards of Batanes, where wave heights could reach up to 6.0 meters — conditions considered extremely hazardous for all types of vessels.
The weather bureau advised mariners, especially those operating small watercraft, to remain in port or seek safe harbor immediately. Sea travel in the affected areas poses significant risk, PAGASA said, for the duration of the Gale Warning period.
Inday Weakened Slightly But Still a Powerful Typhoon
Despite a slight drop in intensity, Typhoon Inday remains a powerful weather system. Its 175 km/h maximum sustained winds and 215 km/h gusts place it well within the severe typhoon category. PAGASA said it expects Inday to continue weakening gradually as it tracks away from the Philippine landmass, though it will not dissipate before leaving PAR.
The typhoon's central pressure of 940 hPa reflects a still-compact and organized storm structure capable of producing destructive wind and storm surge conditions near its track, PAGASA said in its bulletin.
By the Numbers
- 175 km/h — Maximum sustained winds of Typhoon Inday as of 4:00 AM, July 9
- 215 km/h — Peak gusts recorded within the typhoon system
- 940 hPa — Central pressure of Typhoon Inday
- 925 km — Distance of the typhoon's center east of Northern Luzon as of 4:00 AM
- 20 km/h — Speed of the typhoon's west-northwestward movement
- 39–61 km/h — Expected wind speeds in Signal No. 1 areas within 36 hours
- 6.0 meters — Forecast maximum wave height along the Batanes seaboard
- July 11 — Expected exit from the Philippine Area of Responsibility
- July 12 — Forecast landfall over the eastern coast of mainland China
Why This Matters
Typhoon Inday's approach is the most significant weather event affecting the Philippines this week, with Signal No. 1 already in effect across multiple provinces in Luzon and the enhanced monsoon generating hazardous seas along both the Luzon and Visayas seaboards. Mariners have been explicitly warned to stay in port, and PAGASA has cautioned that dangerous conditions will extend well beyond the typhoon's immediate path. Disaster response offices at all levels have been urged to prepare, as Inday is expected to remain at typhoon strength throughout its passage within Philippine territory.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PAGASA