What is Tropical Cyclone Champi 2026?
Tropical Cyclone Champi 2026 is a tropical cyclone being tracked by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA). As of 1500 hours local time on 19 October, it was located about 1,525 kilometres east of Southeastern Luzon (14.4°N, 138.3°E), outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Champi is moving west-northwestward at 20 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the centre and gustiness of up to 230 km/h. It is expected to re-intensify from the evening of 19 October and may again reach Super Typhoon category. The system is locally named Rosal in the Philippines.
When and where will it make landfall?
Champi is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on the morning or early afternoon of 20 October and move toward Taiwan over the Philippine Sea. In the Philippines, PAGASA may raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals over northern and eastern Northern Luzon and parts of Bicol as early as 19 October evening or 20 October morning. Heavy rainfall is expected over extreme northern Luzon from 20–21 October, with gusty conditions across most of Luzon, the Visayas and parts of Mindanao. Hazardous sea conditions may affect the northern and eastern seaboard of Luzon from 21 October onwards. In Japan, the JMA expects Champi to move toward waters south of Okinawa Prefecture by 22 October, with gusts of 70 m/s. The cyclone track is highly uncertain: a westward track would limit impact on Japan, a northwestward turn could bring significant impact to Okinawa and Amami, and a northeastward turn could affect western and eastern Japan. In Taiwan, a sea warning could be issued as early as the night of 21 October, with a possible land warning by 22 October night or 23 October. The greatest impact is forecast for 23–24 October, with heavy rainfall expected in central and northern Taiwan, and to Yilan and Hualien in the east. In China, the track remains uncertain from 22–24 October onwards, as it could turn northward or southward depending on changes in the Pacific high-pressure system. A north-northeastward trajectory could bring direct or indirect impacts to coastal Guangdong and southeastern China. In Hong Kong, if Champi turns northward, indirect weather impacts could occur.
Which countries and regions are most affected?
The Philippines: Extreme northern Luzon (including Batanes), northern and eastern Northern Luzon and parts of Bicol may face strong winds, rough seas and heavy rain from 20 October. Sea travel suspensions, port restrictions, flight disruptions and power and telecommunication outages are likely, with flood and landslide risk highest in extreme northern Luzon. Japan: Okinawa Prefecture, particularly the Sakishima (Miyako and Yaeyama) Islands closest to the forecast track, faces risk of high waves, storm surge, flight and ferry cancellations and power outages from about 22 October. A northward turn would extend risk to Amami and, around 24–25 October, western and eastern Japan, where recent storms have already caused flooding. Taiwan: Hualien, Yilan and northern and central Taiwan may face possible strong winds, torrential rain, landslides and riverine flooding on 23–24 October, with possible rail, road, flight and port disruptions, and power outages. A potential landfall can sharply raise severity; a northward turn can still bring heavy outer rain bands. China: If Champi tracks towards southeastern China, coastal areas could experience strong winds and rough seas, potentially disrupting maritime operations and air travel if adverse weather affects coastal airports. Impact remains uncertain and will depend on the cyclone’s eventual track and intensity.
What are the key impacts?
Champi is likely to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall and flooding to northern Luzon, Okinawa and eastern and northern Taiwan between 20 and 24 October. Air and sea corridors across the Philippine Sea, Luzon Strait and East Sea are likely to see delays and rerouting, possibly affecting freight schedules, supply chains and business travel in all these countries. Port restrictions, flight cancellations, ferry suspensions and power outages are expected in affected areas. Flood and landslide risks are highest in extreme northern Luzon and mountainous regions of Taiwan. Businesses should prepare for shipment delays at ports and airports, secure outdoor assets and protect inventory and critical equipment from flooding. Staff in coastal, low-lying, flood- or landslide-prone areas should keep water, food, medicines, torches and power banks ready, identify evacuation routes, and avoid flooded, debris-covered or landslide-prone roads.
What should organisations and individuals do to prepare?
Avoid non-essential travel to northern Luzon, Okinawa, eastern and northern Taiwan, and coastal southeastern China from 20–24 October. Reconfirm flights, ferries and rail services, and allow buffer time for onward connections. Secure outdoor assets, protect inventory and critical equipment from flooding, test backup power and communications, and plan for shipment delays at ports and airports. Monitor meteorological department advisories, and airline and port notices to remain abreast of weather developments and to ensure preparedness. For further details, contact Aatreya Bhat (Intel Manager – Datasurf) at aatreya.bhat@mitkatadvisory.com. For business queries, contact Saishh Nagesh Kadam (Sr. Business Development Manager) at saishh.kadam@mitkatadvisory.com.
Frequently asked questions
When will Tropical Cyclone Champi enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility?
It is expected on the morning or early afternoon of 20 October 2026.
Which areas are most at risk in Taiwan?
Central and northern Taiwan, including Yilan and Hualien, with the greatest impact forecast for 23–24 October.
What is the forecast track for Japan?
Champi is expected to move toward waters south of Okinawa Prefecture by 22 October, with high uncertainty on whether it will turn westward, northwestward or northeastward.
What are the official sources to monitor?
PAGASA (Philippines), JMA (Japan), CWA (Taiwan) and CMA (China).
Download the full advisory now
MitKat’s Risk Flash on Tropical Cyclone Champi carries the complete track forecast, impact assessment and recommendations. Download the full advisory now to brief your travel and continuity teams.
Filed under: APACRegional Risk Reviews
