'Rosal' slightly intensifies in approach; Signal No. 1 still up in Luzon

Satellite image showing Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) as of 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 20, 2026.

PAGASA / Released

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains in effect over parts of Luzon as Super Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) slightly intensified while moving west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said Tuesday, October 20.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin on October 20, PAGASA said Rosal was located 1,270 kilometers east of Central Luzon as of 4 p.m.

The super typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 240 kph. It was moving west-northwestward at 25 kph.

Signal No. 1 is in effect over the following areas, where strong winds may be experienced within 36 hours:

• Batanes
• Babuyan Islands
• Ilocos Norte: Northern portion (Pagudpud)
• 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 said minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible in areas under Signal No. 1.

The highest wind signal that may be raised during Rosal's passage is Signal No. 2 or 3.

Closest approach

Rosal is forecast to continue moving west-northwestward through Wednesday before turning northwestward until Friday morning.

It is expected to make its closest approach to Extreme Northern Luzon between Thursday and Friday.

By Friday afternoon, Rosal is forecast to turn north-northwestward to northward and leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday evening or early Saturday morning, October 24.

PAGASA said Rosal could further intensify while over the Philippine Sea but is expected to remain a super typhoon before gradually weakening into a typhoon by Thursday evening or early Friday morning.