On October 15, 2026, Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau announced the formation of Typhoon Champi. Meteorologists have indicated that it is projected for the tropical storm to move in a northwesterly direction towards the southern waters of Japan and there is a probability of it further intensifying into a “strong typhoon”.
The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan stated that the tropical depression previously located east of Guam had developed into a mild typhoon at 2 p.m. today, designated as the 29th typhoon and named Champi (International Name: CHAMPI). It is anticipated to move towards the northwest and west, with its impact on Taiwan requiring further observation.
As of 2 p.m. today, Typhoon Champi’s center was positioned at 11.0 degrees north latitude and 158.6 degrees east longitude, moving at a speed of 24 kilometers per hour to the northwest-west direction. The central pressure was 998 hPa, with maximum sustained winds near the center at 18 meters per second and maximum gusts up to 25 meters per second. The radius of gale-force winds extends up to 80 kilometers on average (100 km in the northwest, 60 km in the northeast, 100 km in the southwest, and 60 km in the southeast).
Associate Professor Wu Derong from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at National Central University in Taiwan mentioned in the “Weather Classroom” column of the Meteorological Application Promotion Foundation that this morning was mostly clear across various regions, with some localized light rain on the eastern side of Greater Taipei and in Yilan. Due to radiative cooling, the minimum temperatures on the plains of each area were around 18 to 21 degrees Celsius.
According to Wu Derong, the latest European model simulations indicate slightly more moisture today, with localized brief showers expected on the eastern side of Greater Taipei and the eastern part, while the western side remains clear and stable, with occasional brief showers in mountainous areas in the afternoon. The northern regions are mildly warm while the south is relatively hotter during the day, with cooler temperatures in the early morning and evening.
He pointed out that the most recent model simulations project a gradual decrease in moisture from tomorrow to the 20th, with partly cloudy skies in the eastern part and occasional brief showers, while the western part remains clear and stable. Daytime temperatures will be higher, accompanied by significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations, resembling a “late summer heatwave” pattern. On the 21st, the northeast monsoon is expected to strengthen, leading to rain on windward sides and a slight temperature drop on leeward areas.
He mentioned that Typhoon Champi is expected to move towards the southern waters of Japan in a northwesterly direction, with a possibility of further intensifying into a “strong typhoon”. He further elaborated that according to the latest European model simulations, the tropical depression east of Guam is likely to develop into a typhoon, following a mostly southward path towards Japan’s southern waters, then making a large loop to the northeast. The model simulations vary widely in the projected paths, indicating significant uncertainty, warranting further observation.