MANILA, Philippines — Super Typhoon Champi is tracking northwest toward the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and could bring severe weather to extreme Northern Luzon later this week, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Sunday, October 18.
According to PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio, Champi rapidly strengthened from a typhoon into a super typhoon over the waters near Guam early Sunday.
Data as of 4 a.m. showed the cyclone packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 230 kph. It was positioned 2,230 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, moving west-northwestward at a speed of 25 kph.
PAGASA noted that while the weather disturbance had no direct impact on the country as of Sunday, it is projected to enter PAR by Tuesday, October 20, where it will be assigned the local name “Rosal.”
Forecasters anticipate that the cyclone’s wide circulation could prompt the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals as early as Monday, October 19, or Tuesday, affecting parts of Northern Luzon and the eastern section of the Bicol Region.
“Posibleng magtaas na tayo ng Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 sa northern at eastern section ng Northern Luzon at eastern section ng Bicol region bukas [Lunes, Oct. 19] o sa Martes dahil sa lawak at kilos ng bagyo,” Aurelio stated.
Depending on its movement, peak wind warnings could escalate up to Wind Signal No. 3 or 4 in vulnerable zones. PAGASA added that strong wind gusts may begin sweeping across widespread areas of the nation by midweek.
“Nitong darating na Miyerkules ay makakaranas tayo ng bugso ng malalakas na hangin sa halos buong bansa,” Aurelio said.
Heavy downpours and strong winds are expected to strike extreme Northern Luzon by Thursday or Friday as the system passes near the region on its path toward Taiwan.
“Sa forecast track ng bagyong ito, generally northwestward ang kilos nito. Maaaring maapektuhan ang extreme Northern Luzon nitong darating na Huwebes o Biyernes,” he added.
Although Champi is expected to retain its super typhoon intensity upon entering PAR, meteorologists predict it will begin a gradual weakening trend by Wednesday following its peak strength.
The public is strongly advised to keep track of official updates and weather advisories as the cyclone draws closer.